What daily practices help us prepare for Christ's unexpected return? Anchored in His Promise “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40) Christ’s return is literal, certain, and could happen at any moment. Readiness, then, can never be a once-a-week mindset; it is meant to shape every ordinary day. Daily Practices That Keep Us Alert • Word-soaked living – Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16 – Begin and end the day with Scripture. Memorize a verse each week so the truth shapes spontaneous thoughts and conversations. • Persistent prayer – 1 Peter 4:7; Philippians 4:6–7 – Keep an open dialogue with the Lord: praise, confession, intercession, and listening. Short prayers while driving or folding laundry train the heart to stay awake. • Active obedience – When the Word exposes a sin or nudges toward an act of compassion, respond immediately. Delayed obedience dulls expectancy. • Holy conduct – 2 Peter 3:11–12; Titus 2:11–13 – Guard entertainment choices, conversations, and spending so they line up with the purity Christ will look for when He appears. • Generous stewardship – Matthew 25:21; 1 Timothy 6:18–19 – Treat time, money, and abilities as borrowed assets. Budget for eternal impact and schedule regular service. • Gospel witness – Share your testimony, hand out a tract, invite a friend to church. Living on mission keeps spiritual eyes wide open. • Christian fellowship – Hebrews 10:24–25; Proverbs 27:17 – Meet with other believers for mutual encouragement, accountability, and worship—especially “as you see the Day approaching.” • Continual gratitude and worship – Philippians 4:4–5; Psalm 100:2 – Keep a running list of gifts God gives. Joyful thanksgiving fuels hopeful anticipation. • Self-examination and quick repentance – Close each day by asking, “Did anything today grieve the Spirit?” Confess immediately, trusting His cleansing. • Restful trust – Romans 13:11–12; Isaiah 26:3 – Set down anxiety about the future. The same Lord who promised to come also promised to keep His own. Staying Dressed for Service “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35) Readiness is pictured as servants in work clothes, lamps trimmed, waiting for the master’s knock. Practically, that means: • A heart clothed in righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). • A mind filled with light from the Word (Psalm 119:105). • Hands free from entangling sin and available for good works (Hebrews 12:1; Galatians 6:9). Why These Habits Matter • They cultivate spiritual alertness—“let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • They rescue us from worldliness—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • They display Christ to a watching world—“Let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16) Living Today in Light of That Day Readiness is not frantic; it is faithful. When everyday routines—commuting, schooling, parenting, working—are offered to Christ, they become lamp-trimming moments. Keep watch, stay busy with the Master’s business, and look up: “The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5) |
    |