Luke 12-13: Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.

Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.

That's a word picture of a person who is ready. Their waist has been girded, they are unencumbered and ready for work; they are awake, watching, ready to do the bidding of their Master.

The progress of thought through the first part of chapter 12 is beautiful to see. Firstly, don't be bound by the fear of men, what they may think or what they may do. Rather, be concerned with the will of God. Secondly, don't be bound by material wealth and physical possessions.
Rather, seek first the Kingdom of God.

Then, unencumbered by the trivial things of the world, seeking to bring the will of God into effect on earth, you will be ready for the task at hand. The Kingdom of God advances through His ambassadors, His servants, who bring His will to bear upon every aspect of life. They are ready to act upon His will when it is inconvenient or tiring or unpopular or dangerous. They do not heed the cost to themselves because their first priority is the will of the Master, and the call to advance the Kingdom may come at any time, in any circumstance, at whatever cost.