Faith Words: What's Important

A wildfire rages out of control. A tornado cuts a path of destruction across a state.  A hurricane devastates town after town with damaging winds and floodwaters.  And the call goes out:  "Evacuate!  Get out now!"

Watching the news footage of Hurricane Harvey, we looked around the house and asked ourselves:  what would we take if we had to leave in a hurry?

Photos?
Clothes?
Computer?
Medicine?
That music box from Virginia?
Our wedding china?
The cut glass tray my grandfather gave to my grandmother when they got married?
Ma and Pa's anniversary clock?

What's important?

Like most people, I've spent my life collecting.  My collection of treasures fills my home, each item holding a special memory.  How would I choose which I'd take?

Well. certainly, time would help me decide.  What would I have time to pack?  Then, room.  How much room would I have to load with my possessions?  What would I take? It might not be a bad idea to give it some serious thought. My safety and my family's safety may depend on it.

Both Paul and Peter tell us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5 and Peter in 2 Peter 3.  When we're not looking, when we least expect it.

Peter writes that the heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.  He then asks, with that in mind, what sort of people should we be?

Paul answers Peter's question in 1 Thessalonians 5.  Paul writes that because we are not in darkness, the Lord's coming should not surprise us.  He tells us that we are children of the light who should be awake and sober (ready).  He reminds us to wear our spiritual armor.  He directs us to encourage each other and build each other up. Peter has his own answer that's very much like Paul's.  He writes that we should live holy and godly lives.

To me, they're both saying:  Be ready!  Don't get distracted by this world.  Don't live in fear.  Live in anticipation.  Live preparing to be with the Lord in the new heaven and new earth that will follow His return.

Each area of the country has its own list of possible disasters that could make it necessary for us to leave the safety of our homes on a moment's notice.  Being prepared for a possible evacuation is worth spending a little time on.  Having a plan now might help avoid a panic when the time comes.

Similarly, if we live holy and godly lives now, always ready, awake and sober, we won't be caught by surprise when the Lord comes again.  Our lives of faith will serve as both a reminder and an encouragement to each other to stand firm, without fear.

So when you ask yourself what's important, remember that it's important to be ready now - because salvation hangs in the balance.

Ready or not,

Patrice

2 Peter 3:13 NIV

But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.