I see social media accounts exploding with the message of preparing for the return of our Lord. And many people think that God’s return will happen very soon because of our world’s spiraling sin and evil. As a result, some people feel a sense of panic and fear in the turmoil of our world. I think some want to seek God as a source of fire insurance instead of seeking a relationship with Him. But is that how the Lord wants us to respond to life events? In this blog, I want to explore the ways we should live a life of Godly preparedness.
History of Preparing in the Bible
Within the pages of the Old Testament, we find God’s people waiting on the arrival of Jesus. Then, as we move forward into the New Testament, we find that Jesus’ life and death fulfill all the OT prophesies. Finally, as Jesus ascended into Heaven in Acts 1:10-11, the angels remind us that He will return. Additionally, Matthew 24:44 tells us, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” So, preparing for Jesus’ return is a Biblical action.
State of Preparedness
But, we find these instructions are more about living in a state of ongoing preparedness than a sudden action. Such a life begins with accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. Then, we are called to a life with Christ at the center of everything we do. We should spend our years in prayer, worship, scripture reading, and communion with God so He can guide our daily actions. And as we prepare to meet Jesus someday, we also must seek to share Him with everyone we meet so that none are left behind.
Sharing our Stories
When we meet someone, who needs to hear about our life in Christ and the “Jesus narrative,” are we prepared to tell it? Do we have a personal story we are prepared to share? In preparing for Christ’s return, we can spend time crafting the account of how God changed our lives. Each person we meet is loved by Jesus so let them know about Him.
Staying Prepared
Many Bible verses instruct us about Godly living. One that I think sums it up best is found in Titus 2:11-14. “11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” In summary:
- Start by saying yes to Christ and loving Him.
- Then we say no to ungodliness.
- We should also say no to worldly passions.
- And be self-controlled.
- Additionally, love your neighbors as yourself.
These actions help to prepare us for His glorious return.
Preparing for the Lord
Jesus will return again someday. He might return today or tomorrow or a thousand years from now. Our job in the family of faith is to be ready each day for His return by living a Christlike life. We should not panic and worry about His return. Instead, live right, as the Bible shows us, and celebrate that we will spend eternity in paradise with God someday. Seek life insurance, as in a life lived for Christ, instead of fire insurance. Life insurance brings more peace to our days.
Prayer
My Heavenly Father, I look forward to Your return, and the time I will spend with You in eternity. Please help me not to panic or worry but instead to focus on living for You. Please show me who needs to hear my story so they might seek You for their own life, in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.
Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Amen. “Each person we meet is loved by Jesus so them know about Him.”
Amen. Every person is loved by our God and there is a beautiful truth in those words. Thanks Melissa
So good. I know Jesus might come at any time, but I also know every day might be my last. Preparing for Jesus is something I need to do as part of my Christian walk. Jesus told us to be ready, and so I prepare my heart daily for Him and so He can work through me.
Good thoughts Jessica. We must prepare daily. Amen. Thanks for commenting and God bless
This is a great post! You know I’m on this same topic as are so many other Christian writers. The Holy Spirit seems to be leading many of us to talk and write about the return of Christ and the need for us to get ready, be prepared, turn to the Lord. These are good admonitions and advice to share for such a time as this, Yvonne. God bless you!
Thanks Melinda. The Lord will return but we must remember to live every day for Christ no matter if He returns tomorrow or 1000 years from tomorrow. I think too many are seeking Him as their safety net instead of looking for a relationship. God bless
Amen Ms. Yvonne. Well said author! Are we seeking life insurance or fire insurance? I think that determination is made by how we live our life for Christ. Is he transforming with each passing day or do we keep him in our back pocket so that He’s handy and we can pull Him out to use whenever we need? I loved this post ma’am. As for His coming return, I like to remind myself every day that today could be the day. This isn’t to say I’m living fearfully of “the day”, but in expectant anticipation. Sometimes I’m torn between longing to go home and knowing I’ve got more work to do for His kingdom. God’s blessings gentle friend.
I too feel torn between this home and my heavenly home especially as more family and friends move into their eternal home. It will be a glorious day when God does return. Until then, we continue our work for the kingdom. Thanks JD
Love this:
“Seek life insurance . . . instead of fire insurance.”
So good!
Thanks Ava. It is about relationship not trying to stay out of hell. God bless
Yvonne, this is so well written and such fresh insight. Right out of the gate, this is a powerful reflection: “we should live a life of Godly preparedness.”
I love this idea of Godly and daily preparedness in the life of a believer and the steps to getting there in our Christian walk. Well said and done!
Thanks Karen. So many only want to prepare at the end without the Godly living. We need to prepare every day. God bless
What an excellent and timely message. Some of what I see on social media looks like a waiting-until-He-gets-us-out-of-here kind of mindset. It’s not a What-can-I-do-for-Him-until-He-comes? mindset. Great post!
Great way to summarize too. I want to be more like the latter if what can I do for Him until He comes. I pray for more Christians to adopt that kind of mindset. Thanks Nancy and God bless.