Preparation Matters

In recent years, I have watched with surprise and dismay as training and experience lost value in American culture. As a minister, I noticed it first among younger Christians. They wanted to be popular musicians without musical training. They wanted to go on mission trips to foreign countries without knowing the language. They wanted to be pastors without formal education or professional validation.

Christians are part of a wider culture. Generally speaking, Americans have lost their appreciation for those who “pay their dues” through years of preparation and hard experience. Examples abound, but the most current illustration is the presidential campaign. We just elected a President who is lacking in significant political experience, and we are told that his inexperience is actually an advantage.

With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I was deeply impressed by the testimony of Chelsy Sullenberger. You may recall that “Sully” was the pilot of US Airways flight 1549. He managed to land his disabled aircraft in the Hudson River and became an instant hero. Not a single life was lost. “I was sure I could do it,” Sully said. “I think, in many ways, as it turned out, my entire life up to that moment had been a preparation for that particular moment.”

I wanted to shout. The culture is blind and deaf to his wisdom, but some of us know exactly what Sully is talking about. I remembered similar words from a coach many years ago. One of his student athletes confidently talked about winning the next game. “We’re gonna win, coach,” he said, “Because we have the will to win.” “That’s not good enough,” the coach replied. “You must have the will to prepare to win.”

Those who eschew preparation may find that they are unequal to the task when their big moment arrives. They would do well to consider the life of Jesus. He didn’t begin his public ministry until he was about thirty years of age. Do you suppose he prepared? When the moment came, he was ready.