Ready for His Return

What is our attitude toward the coming of the Lord? All of us will stand before God and give an account of our lives. When we face Him, what will we say? Are we ready?

God has given us the resources we need to stand and be ready (vs. 21-23). He wants us to live in such a way that we always are confident. John wrote that we have received “an anointing,” symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can draw on His presence at any time. He is with us to guide, warn, prepare, and teach.

We need to declare “Jesus is the Christ” and be sure that He is the Lord of our lives. We need to abide in Him. This means being focused on obeying His Word and remaining conscious of His presence with us at all times.

John also described a very practical way we can tell if we are pleasing God: If we are practicing righteousness. While we aren’t saved by our words and deeds, what we say and do gives evidence of the real condition of our hearts. When others see us, what do they observe? When they hear us speak, what do they learn about our lives?

Today, make sure that you’re ready to stand before God. Declare that Jesus is your Lord. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Make sure that you’re living according to His Word. Sow Seeds from your time, talent, and treasure into His Kingdom, and seek to bear good fruit from your life.