How to Stay Ready for Christ’s Return

Reflection

There are some who think Christianity is something to get to later, something for “old folks” or for when life slows down. I've heard people say, “Let me enjoy my youth first. I’ll get serious about God later.” On the other side, there are those who say all the right things but never actually intend to live for Christ.

But Jesus gives us a sobering parable in Matthew 24 about a thief in the night. He reminds us that we don't know the day or the hour of His return or even if we’ll wake up tomorrow. That uncertainty isn’t meant to scare us but to wake us up. It’s easy to take grace for granted when it feels like we have endless time.

As I reread this passage, I started thinking about my own routines. Do I lock the doors before bed? Set the alarm? Look out for strange activity? Most of us take some kind of precaution, even if it’s habit. But what about spiritually? Am I living with that same level of awareness?

I’ve had seasons where I didn’t. I took God’s grace for granted. I got distracted, self-absorbed, or passive and I carry regret for some of those times. But I’m learning to live ready. Not by obsessing over the end times or watching the sky, but by watching my heart.

Living ready means staying alert spiritually. Walking in humility, knowing I’m not entitled to salvation, it’s a gift of grace. It means keeping reverence before Christ, because this isn’t just a “friendly visit.” It’s the return of the King. The Bridegroom. And I want to be found faithful, clothed in righteousness, and aligned, not just talking about Jesus but walking with Him.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about love. A call to readiness. An encouragement to stay watchful, not as a burden, but as worship.