Living Ready

“The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that having rejected ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us...” (Titus 2:11-14).

Christ’s first appearing instructs us to live in certainty of His next appearing. To live “soberly” is a MINDSET that views this life through the lens of God’s Word. The Greek word means a “saved mind,” which is a mind controlled by the Spirit of God through the Word of God. Therefore, we won’t panic at the bad news of this temporary world as if everything is out of control; we know how Christ is working; we know His promises; we know how He wants us to live; and we know how His Word says these days will end. We have an eternal perspective that saves us from hopelessness, worry, and confusion.

We should also live “righteously.” This is a POWER bestowed by the Holy Spirit within us. He empowers us live “right” in a world that’s living wrong. We have been given divine strength to withstand the flood of evil, no matter how much outward pressure the world applies.

Thirdly, we should live “godly.” This is a “God-ward” FOCUS for everything we do. Jesus did everything to please the Father and so should we. From the smallest tasks at home, to the biggest duties at work, to things we do in our free time, this is a focus that seeks to please God above all others.

Enduring these last days with an eternal MINDSET, the POWER of righteousness, and a God-ward FOCUS, will keep us ready for Christ’s appearing. Maranatha! He is near.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)