As I do each year, after the New Year rolled around, I looked to see what would be said in the Christian world about the upcoming year. I expected to hear preachers reminding us that we are in the “Last Days.” I looked at various Web sites for articles about “The End Times” and how it related to the year and found nothing. It was rather quiet, a scary kind of quiet. Nothing was being said to make me feel that anyone was thinking about the Lord’s return.
We are told in Scripture that the Lord is going to come again for those who are looking for Him. 2 Timothy 4:8 states that He is coming for all who love His appearing.
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44 KJV)
Have we stopped looking for the Lord’s return? Have we forgotten how important it is to live a life pleasing unto God? Have we forgotten how necessary it is to tell as many people as we can about the love of God and their need to know Him? It’s important to stay focused on God. We should not be so caught up with the things of this world that we forget what really matters.
“The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:12-14 NLT)
In our churches, we are finding those who only want a bless me sermon taught to them. How can I be blessed? It’s the all-about-me mentality and it’s seemingly permeating those in Christian circles today. But it’s not about us; it is about God. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NLT) gives us clear instructions:
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
I guess my Pentecostal background is driving me to want to be reminded of the Lord’s soon return. I don’t ever want to forget that we must be anxiously looking for His appearing. I want to live a life pleasing to the Lord and be ready when He comes. I want to be busy making sure that everyone who wants to know God loves them, has the chance to find out. God loves us so much.
“Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NLT)
Let’s be aware of His soon return. Let us be watching and waiting as we live our lives, we want to be ready.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NIV)
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