Jesus tells us to live our lives in a state of watchfulness. This means having a heavenly view of life or being heavenly minded. What if we knew that Jesus was returning at 4 PM this afternoon? What if he came into your home or appeared at your place of business? Would that change anything? Would we scramble?
Between now and then there is no time for procrastination. Repentance and turning to God is critical. We simply cannot put off ‘til tomorrow what we need to do today. Between now and then is but a moment. If we put off forgiving someone, we might not have the time. If we say that we will stop a certain behavior next week, next week may not come. If our secular lives and spiritual lives are not yet intertwined as to be almost unrecognizable, we may not have the time to blend them.
Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministries once said, “A sign of spiritual growth is a recognition that you need to grow spiritually.” So then, what should we do? Why not embrace the following?
Between now and then we have the opportunity to mature in faith and trust in the Lord. Between now and then we can learn to humble ourselves and serve others. Erik Geiger once said that a non-serving Christian is an oxymoron. Between now and then we have moments to redeem. Redeem them for the Lord. Read about Him. Spend time with Him, getting to know Him better and better. Search His words on how we are to live. Turn from bitterness and anger, hate, greed, and self-focus. Between now and then there will be many choices in front of us. Choose wisely. Exercise discipline. Between now and then, allow the Holy Spirit to change you, direct you, and lead you. Between now and then choose to be victorious over sin, moment by moment. Between now and then, let go of those things that take precedence over God. Between now and then help someone every chance you get. Between now and then accept the mercy and grace God offered through His Son and extend it to others. Between now and then learn to love God’s way. Between now and then pray, praise, and proclaim. Jesus will return. Perhaps today.