Thriving in the “Already–Not Yet
Many voices are currently pointing to the signs of the last days we are seeing and living through in the world today.
But the reality is the last days began as soon as Christ ascended to be at the right hand of the Father. Any period of stability in whch Christianity held sway is strictly by God's mercy. We in America live in a unique place and time.
The next event of redemption as the Apostles’ Creed reminds us, is Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead.
Christ has already come but he has not yet come again.
2 Peter 3:4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
The culture around us disregards what God has said and acts as though we live in a world that will continue without end, a world that God (or Jesus Christ) has little or nothing to do with.
Society promotes its sinful desires and empty pursuits. Self-realization/absorption guides peoples lives . Life for many has become about the possessions one owns. Happiness is only found in career achievement or relationships.
People live for weekends and vacations.
Life is Short
As Christians we are aware of the brevity of life/work on this earth.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise vas some count slowness, but is patient toward you,not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
We also know that our Lord could come at any moment.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Soon, very soon we will all face judgement.
Don't Waste Today
The routines and tasks of today (big and small) that we do for work, the many interactions we will have with our wife, children, parents, siblings, friends, classmates, coworkers, and strangers, is an opportunity God has provided to show us and the world that we live for the glory of Christ.
Christ’s coming gives us perspective as we deal with the inconvenient and difficult moments of daily life. The frustrations we encounter throughout the day are opportunities to remind yourself and show others that you look beyond our current situations.
Even if your work today means difficulty and hardship we should remember that it fits into God’s eternal purpose. We might despair that none of it really matters in eternity.
Christ assured us that what we do in this life is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
The end times is not some future age to come but the very real present moment.
Every moment of our daily life, every breath we take, every word we speak and everything we do is done within the realm of 'already not - yet.
Learn to thrive in this present moment, this present age to serve and honor God and those around us.
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