I grew up in small town America at a super conservative Baptist church that even belonged to a super conservative Baptist association. Every so often, we’d talk about, “where will you be and what will you be doing when Jesus comes back?” And we’d all get really worried and try not to say anything mean about anyone or watch any R-rated movies… you know, just in case Jesus came back while you were doing those things.
My boss recently challenged our staff about what we should be found doing when Jesus returns. We’ve been talking a lot about being on the offensive with our faith instead of just trying to not be doing anything bad. This challenge was no exception. He said, he wanted to be found protecting his family and his church and God’s Word as truth.
I’m not very strong so I don’t fancy myself a “protector” very well, but instead, I hope that I’m taking care of the people around me and loving them well. I want to be found a care-taker, concerned for the needs of those who can’t take care of themselves or who just need someone to let them know they are heard and loved.
I want to look forward to that day in excitement and anticipation the way that you look forward to Christmas or when you get to see someone that you love after a long time of not seeing them. I’m not sure I’m there yet, but I’m working on it.
