You’ve probably seen the bumper sticker which says: “Jesus is coming, look busy!”

It’s supposed to be funny, of course. And although Jesus won’t be fooled, and although busyness shouldn’t be our focus, it does certainly remind us that when he comes we should be doing something.

But what is that something? It is that we should be living holy lives.

We need to reclaim the word “holiness.” It’s been trampled, but unfairly so. In 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV) Paul prays that God “may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus…” On this same topic, 2 Peter 3:11 uses the phrase “holiness and godliness.”

Being “holy” isn’t pretending to be better than other people. It is being set apart for a special, godly purpose. It is to be distinct. With the help of the Holy Spirit (did you notice the word “Holy”?), we are to be growing in Christlikeness as we serve, love, know and glory God.

In light of all of this, how do we personally prepare for the return of Jesus? Well, belief is a given. After that, we are wise to heed two ideas which come up time and time again: holiness and readiness. Since they go together so well, we could summarize it like this: Holiness is readiness. 

None of us are perfect, myself included. But with God’s help, we are striving to live in a way which is distinct and which is for God. So perhaps we should modify that bumper sticker: “Jesus is coming, be holy!”

In the next few devotionals we’ll talk more about holiness, and also how to strive for holiness in practical ways. But for now, remember this: Holiness is readiness.

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Notes:

–“Holiness is Readiness.” Sermon. September 24, 2023. Click here.