How Should Christians Live If Jesus Might Return Any Day?

Posted on Oct 08, 2020 Topic : Prophecy
Posted by : Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson

Martin Luther is reported to have written, “Preach [and live] as if Jesus was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is returning tomorrow.” Good advice. But how does it play out in our daily lives? Every New Testament author knew and believed that Jesus could return at any time, yet there is not even the slightest hint of panic. Instead, Jesus, Paul, John, and Peter urge us to be faithful to the Lord, penetrate the darkness with light, and live a convincing life apologetic.

Here arefour guidelines that will help us toward this goal:

1. Remember This World Is Not Your Home

Though we’re on earth right now, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). And though our time here on the earth is temporary, that certainly does not mean it’s unimportant. The way we presently live will determine our future rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). So, we maintain in our hearts and minds both an earthly and an eternal perspective. Our future influences our present.

2. Shine the Light of Christ in a Dark World

Jesus told His disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16)." No matter how long we remain on earth, we must shine His light for the duration. No matter when He comes, we are to fulfill our everyday calling and persevere till the end.

3. Make Yourself Ready to Meet the Lord

Writing about Jesus’ return and the ultimate destruction of the earth, the apostle Peter concluded, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:11-13)." In those few verses, Peter gives us a healthy balance between living purely and watching for the day of the Lord. Knowing Christ could return at any time not only motivates us to be holy in our conduct, but also fills us with expectant hope while we live!

4. God Must Remain Number One in Your Life

Have you ever secretly prayed, “Jesus, I want You to return, but could You just hold off Your coming until I can get married?” Or finish college? Or see your kids grow up? These are natural desires and we shouldn’t think of them as inherently selfish, but Jesus made it clear that our love for Him must far outweigh our love for anything else, including ourselves (Luke 14:25-35). When we love world more than God, we slide into spiritual mediocrity and become lukewarm (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 3:14-16). But as long as God truly remains our toppriority, we can freely pursue all these lesser desires in the right ways.