WILL YOU BE READY?

To be honored is a wonderful thing; it is a mark of distinction, of privilege, and it represents a sense of ethical conduct and integrity. Honor suggests a job well done and that someone was at the top of their game, doing all that was required at all times, not just sometimes.  It would be awesome to be held in such high esteem, especially by God! But are we prepared to receive such accolades from on high? Is our living so honorable that He would find us watching for His return?

The world has us so busy that we fall short on many levels when it comes to living our lives for Christ. We pray, but do not tithe. We tithe, but do not fellowship. We fellowship, but do not study. We study, but do not serve. We serve, but do not pray. True discipleship requires that we submit to what God has asked of us regardless of what else is happening around us. Those that are found doing what is expected will reap the blessings of a risen Savior. We will be treated as friends and honored guests.

Prayer, fellowship, tithing, service, and Bible study are all forms of praise and worship that pleases God and anoints us with His presence. The Bible calls for us to be ready and dressed for action (see Luke 12:35). Though this is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ, this is also a command for us to be active in our service. 

Some of us are perpetual fence riders and are partial participants in the body of a complete and whole Savior. We are aware of the requirements of service but we are lacking in our willingness to obey God’s Word completely. The Bible tells us that the servant that disobeys and does not prepare will suffer (see Luke 12:47). We tend to operate with no fear of God’s wrath. We say:

• I give enough; the lights are on every Sunday, right?
• I fellowship enough; ask Sister So & So, we talk all the time. 
• I pray for the sick and shut in. I even visited Elder XYZ at hospice.
• I attend Bible study; here, look at my notes.

We proclaim these things but our actions are often half-hearted with no good intent. But do not be fooled, half-hearted worship is like no worship at all. Consider the church at Laodicea (see Revelation 3:16). This church was charged with being lukewarm, and was about to be spit out; but Christ called them to repent so that they would have a seat with Him at the throne (see Revelation 3:21). 
This walk with Christ is not a passive one. It requires action on the part of the believer, continuous action that should be evident when He returns.

In this world of darkness, believers in Christ should be the beacons of light that reflect His sacrificial love. When He returns, He should be able to distinguish us; because we should be dressed, ready for service with our lamps burning. Scripture tells us that the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour (see Luke 12:40). He wants to honor us in the presence of our Father, but we must do our part to receive such a blessing. The only question that remains: Will you be ready when He comes?

Scripture: It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. Luke 12:37 NIV

Prayer: Lord, we call upon you asking that you will give us the strength and the willingness to be bold and upright in our walk with Christ. Forgive us for our lukewarm actions in the Body of Christ. Help us to be authentic in our praise and worship that we may be honored by your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen! 

Read Luke chapter 12:35-48 for further study on the benefits of readiness.