Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting… so that when He comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for Him. Luke 12:35-36, NIV
Music teachers often feel like the June and Ward Cleavers of the teaching profession—perfectly polished on the outside while juggling nonstop responsibilities behind the scenes. Think about those 1950s TV parents who seemed to do yardwork and house chores in their Sunday best.
Now picture the music teachers you know on concert day. They look sharp and professional, but behind the scenes, they’re dragging risers, pushing pianos, setting up chairs and music stands, organizing percussion equipment, and troubleshooting last-minute issues. Beginning band teachers carry repair kits, valve oil, and cork grease like doctors on call. Some even climb onto a yellow school bus in their best attire, heading out with dozens of excited students to perform and represent their school.
The spotlight may be glamorous, but the work behind the curtain rarely is.
This picture challenges us as Christians: Are we spiritually “dressed and ready for service” when God calls, or are we wearing something more casual and comfortable that signals we’d prefer to take it easy?
Every day, God invites us to listen, respond, and follow Him. But with busy schedules and full lives, it’s easy to lose focus. Jesus reminds us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).
Just like music teachers who stay prepared no matter what the day brings, we too are called to be ready, alert, attentive, and willing when God opens a door or calls us to serve. Our greatest “curtain call” is still ahead, and we want to meet it faithfully “dressed and ready,” even as we carry out the ordinary tasks of each day.
Lord, help us remain spiritually dressed and ready whenever You call. Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson.
Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and former board member.
