I drive my husband crazy because if we are going to go someplace I always work right up until—and he often complains sometimes after— the time that we are due to leave.Time is precious, and I want to make the most of every moment; I don’t like to be waiting and not working.

As Christians we are all to be watching with expectation for the promised return of Jesus.And we have a job to do while we are waiting for Him.We are not just to be sitting around, hiding our gifts, or in fear of what others may think of us or afraid of what they might do to us. If we love Him, and love others, we have no choice but to follow His commands. Jesus tells us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”  Keeping His commands is our way of demonstrating our love for God. 

We are called to be courageous and to boldly do the work that we’ve been assigned by Jesus to do while we are here on earth.Matthew 28 tells us, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I have a friend who made a statement that I will never forget. One time while she was watching TV the thought occurred to her that if she had the chance to make a commercial she would ask the world to forgive the Church for not showing it Jesus.

In that same vein, I think that we Christians have to accept at least some responsibility for the condition of our rapidly, downward spiraling world. If we truly understand and believe that an eternity of heaven or hell lies ahead for every person, we would be more faithful to carry out Jesus’ command to share the gospel.Instead, all too often we buy into the American dream and get so comfortable with “the world” that there seems to be little difference in the lives of those who profess to know Christ and those who don’t.

We are to be sharing the good news that the One and Only God Who created mankind, and loved us so much that He sent His beloved Son to die in our place, is going to come to earth again. And when he does, He will take to heaven those who have put their faith and trust in Him. That is something that is certainly worth waiting for, isn’t it?!And the reward will be greater for those who have been at work doing the Father’s business while they wait. May we each be found faithful to work right up until the time that Jesus comes to take us home!

Written by Julie Van Gorp