Thursday, March 12, 2009

Unexpected Company

Matthew 24: v. 43 NIV
"But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into."

Panic! Company's coming and my house is a wreck. How many days had I put off cleaning telling myself I'd get it done later? As I looked around noticing the dust bunnies, the clutter and the pile of dishes in the sink I wondered what would they think if they walked in now and found my house like this? I didn't want to face embarrassment and feel awkward because of the mess. I had just gotten busy and I'd put off doing what needed to be done.

Procrastination seems to be one of my issues that I'm trying to improve on. How many of us are guilty of putting off something only to find ourselves coming up short later? If we're not careful we may find ourselves doing the same thing in our daily walk with Christ. We may put off Bible study, devotional time with the Lord and prayer while telling ourselves we'll stop later and catch up. We convince ourselves we'll sign up for nursery duty, serving or visitation the "next time" the sign up sheet comes around. We may put off talking to a neighbor, friend or family member about Christ until the "time is right."

What would Christ find us doing right now if He were to return at this very moment? Would He find our spiritual house in order or would we be embarrassed by the clutter and meaningless things we've filled it with?

As I hurry to clean my house and prepare for my unexpected guests I pray it won't be the same thing I'll be doing with the life that Christ has given back to me when He returns.

May we live daily so that not only will we be ready when Christ returns but that others will be also because of our witness and work through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24: v. 44-46 NIV
44. "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." 45. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge...."46. it will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns."