Preparing to mow = Preparing to evangelize (2 Timothy 4:5).

Before you mow the yard, you must get up the sticks, rocks, toys, debris, etc. (Galations 5:7).

You do all these things before the act of mowing begins.

Before you evangelize, you must have the correct doctrine and Gospel by walking through the Word and put everything in proper context. You do this, just like you would with the above obstacles in the yard.

Then you begin the real work of mowing or the ministry (Ephesians 4:1).

But you’re not done yet. You then have to do the trim work. This would be the continued work of enriching and encouraging (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Following this, you fill the mower back up with gas and if needed, oil and sharpen the blade (study) for the next time out (2 Timothy 2:15).

So keep the tools and mind always ready to do the work and give an answer (Colossians 4:5-6), so the weeds and the world don’t take you over.

Selah.