Living Ready - Martin Wiles

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:11 NLT

“We live ready.”

The private school where I teach once underwent a rigorous second accreditation process. Actually a double accreditation, the second being SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Since the second was more prestigious, the process took large amounts of time and paperwork. We passed with flying colors. Our school could now boast of three accreditations, which would draw prospective students.

Several years later, the time came for a re-visit from the board to see how we were doing. These visits normally happen in the spring of the year, but the team asked our headmaster if they could come in the fall. They weren’t sure we would be ready. That’s when our head of school told them we live ready.

His words were not spoken in pride, but as reality. As teachers, workers, and administrators, we conduct our school within the guidelines of the accreditation board daily. We don’t have to put on a show when we know the review board is coming.

For three years, the apostles had hung around with Jesus, listened to His teachings, and watched His example. Then they watched as cruel people crucified Him, but three days later they marveled as He rose from the grave. Now, He gave them a commission—and then ascended into heaven. Angels, however, assured them He would come again in the same way they witnessed Him leave.

No one knows when Christ will return. In His human form with limitations, Jesus didn’t even know. But come He will—at the Second Coming or at our death. Either way, we should live ready, for Jesus said we couldn’t know when that day would arrive.

Living ready takes intentionality. At school, it means doing the things we know the accreditation board expects of us. The same applies to Jesus’ return. I consciously remind myself that His coming could happen—in the air or at my death.

Being ready means living with purpose, with holiness, and with discipline. My purpose should be what God wants for me—knowing the gifts, talents, and callings He has given me and using them to advance His Kingdom’s work on earth. Living with purity in my thoughts, actions, and words is a part of that process. The discipline comes in doing those things that promote my spiritual growth: Bible study, prayer, meditation, fellowship with other believers, evangelism.

Whether at death or at His Second Coming, Jesus will come. Are you living ready?

Prayer: Father, whether You come for us at Your Second Coming or at our death, help us to live ready to meet You each day.

Tweetable: Are you living ready? 

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