Awaiting the next visit

Jesus walked this earth once and he will walk it again. How we act and live our lives in-between that time is everything.

The best example I could think of is this-

Think about when your parents come visit you in college. All colleges are different, but have a common theme. We live differently at college than we do at home. When your parents come visit everybody has to be on their best behavior. You, your roommates, friends, etc.

As soon as your parents leave it is back to normal. It's like a weight is lifted off your chest. Sometimes that will consist of give dapping up your friends once they leave because you made it through without any slip-ups.

What if we were to act like we did around our parents in-between visits. There would never be a sense of guilt because you wouldn't have to change the way in which you were living for a day or two.

I am not saying everybody is like this, but by making this point I hope it catches your attention.

Our behavior in-between visits matters. We can't accept Jesus into our hearts and while we wait for him to come back we can't just do whatever we want. We need to live a life where we are loving others, speaking heavenly language, and building up the kingdom of heaven.

"Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
(1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

These were the instructions that Paul left for the Corinthians as they awaited his next visit.

1. be on their guard - they were to be constantly watchful or alert for spiritual enemies

2. stand firm - in what they believed - that is, the gospel that they had been taught in the beginning, the gospel that had brought them salvation

3. be courageous - so that they could stand against false teachers, deal with sin, and straighten out their problems

4. be strong - with the strength given by the Holy Spirit

5. do everything in love - because they were love, they would be no more than prideful noisemakers

We have a mission while we are here on earth. You are special. You have a purpose. Remember that.