How to Neighbor

Recently, at my church, we were going through the book of Titus. In chapter 3, Paul says in his letter to be ready for every good work. I began to think about what it means to “be ready for every good work.” How could someone possibly be ready for every good work?

Many Christians seem to have an attitude of: After I am finished, or When my schedule allows, then I will be glad to do a good work. I have been one of those Christians. Somehow, we have separated, instead of integrated, the idea of good works.

Years ago, when I made plans to live in Mexico with my two sons at Door of Faith Orphanage, I was often asked, “Why do you feel the need to take your sons and move out of the country?” I began to reply with a reference to the verse Ephesians 2:10: “…I’m just doing the good work that God prepared in advance for me to do.”

Perhaps “being ready” is simply acknowledging that God has already prepared us. If I look over my life, I can definitely see how the last good work prepared me for the next. It started with trusting and believing that I truly was created by God for His purpose. It was also believing that I had the opportunity to reach people with the gospel in a way that was significant to the way God had created me—much like a “for such a time as this” belief in my heart.

Over time, I’ve learned that “being ready” means thinking differently ahead of time—living with a mindset that anticipates obedience. It’s remembering that God has already prepared me for every good work. My role is to prepare my heart and posture my life to say “yes” when the opportunity comes. Readiness isn’t about waiting for the perfect schedule or ideal conditions; it’s about trusting that God’s preparation is already in place and choosing to walk in it with faith and intention.

How to Be Ready

1. Pray for Readiness – Ask God each morning to help you recognize and respond to the good works He’s prepared for you that day. Make it a habit to invite Him into your schedule before it begins.

2. Reflect and Journal – Take time this week to look back on your life and write down moments when one good work prepared you for another. This helps build faith and reinforces the truth that God is continually equipping you.

3. Say “Yes” Intentionally – Look for one opportunity this week—big or small—to say “yes” to serving someone. Whether it’s offering encouragement, helping a neighbor, or volunteering, act on it as a step of obedience and trust.