“The Next Spiritual Journey” Day 7: Being mindful of the Lord’s return, has great benefit.

“But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬, ‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In 1970, Peggy Lee won a Grammy for the song, “Is That All There Is?” Here are the words to the chorus of that song:

"Is that all there is?

Is that all there is?

If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing

Let's break out the booze and have a ball

If that's all there is.”

The sentiment expressed here is not new. Indeed, Paul in his letter to the church of Corinth, references this very type of thinking.

“And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Just before what Paul says here, he makes the point that if our hope in Christ Jesus was just for this life, we would have every right to be miserable. But our hope in Jesus Christ doesn’t end here; it takes us from this life into the next!

“And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Last time, we discussed the fact that expectantly looking for the return of Jesus Christ, as well as our life with Him thereafter, is our “blessed hope.”

“waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Yes, far from having no hope for the future, no hope for life after this life, we have the greatest hope of all. Think about it, this blessed hope takes away the fear of the coming Judgment.

“And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Another benefit of being mindful of the Lord‘s return, is that it encourages us to purify ourselves, encourages us to live lives that will not make us ashamed at His coming.

“Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Additionally, being mindful of the Lord’s return, helps us to endure what we must, as we navigate life’s uncertainties and difficulties.

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our opening scripture, we see that living our lives mindful of the Lord‘s return, helps us keep our thoughts anchored in heaven, where we have our true citizenship..

Yes, being mindful of the Lord‘s return, has great benefit. Alternatively, not being mindful of His return, puts our soul in great peril. Oh, friend, let’s love His appearing!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!