We begin the year by tackling Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. In the first chapter, after his salutation, Paul’s words concerning Christ’s coming and the judgment that will accompany His return challenges the readers with a strong question, “Are you ready?” Are you ready for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? We see that there is cause to marvel by His children and cause for trepidation for non-believers.
There is a story that when asked what he would do if he knew that Jesus was returning the next day, Saint Francis of Assisi answered, “In the morning I would tend my garden and in the afternoon I would go into the village to preach.” In other words, he would not change anything about his life or conduct because he knew he was ready. I have often pondered the question, “Am I as ready as he?” This is not a question of doubting my salvation but rather evaluating if I have behaved in accordance with what such a salvation calls for.
Such pondering usually brings me back to the fact that there is a colossal gap between the Vic that existed before Christ and the one that was born when he proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and testified to that proclamation by being immersed in the waters of baptism. However, the Scriptures call us to live godly lives. Living a godly life means that we either reflect God’s image or that our actions please Him. Such a life goal demands that I also compare where Vic is now with the image of Christ. When that is done, the gap is a lot bigger than my first comparison. I dare say, it is a lot bigger for us all. This means that as much as we grew in the Lord in 2014, we still have a ways to go. Such an endeavor is a lot easier when not undertaken alone. Let us, as we face a new year as children of an almighty God and members of the same church body, move forward together encouraging one another, challenging one another, supporting one another, and loving one another.
Blessings,
Vic
There is a story that when asked what he would do if he knew that Jesus was returning the next day, Saint Francis of Assisi answered, “In the morning I would tend my garden and in the afternoon I would go into the village to preach.” In other words, he would not change anything about his life or conduct because he knew he was ready. I have often pondered the question, “Am I as ready as he?” This is not a question of doubting my salvation but rather evaluating if I have behaved in accordance with what such a salvation calls for.
Such pondering usually brings me back to the fact that there is a colossal gap between the Vic that existed before Christ and the one that was born when he proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and testified to that proclamation by being immersed in the waters of baptism. However, the Scriptures call us to live godly lives. Living a godly life means that we either reflect God’s image or that our actions please Him. Such a life goal demands that I also compare where Vic is now with the image of Christ. When that is done, the gap is a lot bigger than my first comparison. I dare say, it is a lot bigger for us all. This means that as much as we grew in the Lord in 2014, we still have a ways to go. Such an endeavor is a lot easier when not undertaken alone. Let us, as we face a new year as children of an almighty God and members of the same church body, move forward together encouraging one another, challenging one another, supporting one another, and loving one another.
Blessings,
Vic
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