Those two words caught my attention and changed the trajectory of my life.

Shortly after graduating from high school, a message about Christ’s return became a turning in my life as a rebellious youth. A team of students from BIOLA visited Grace Baptist Church in Sidney, Nebraska. One of the student’s preached a sermon titled, “Pajama Christians.” His text was Romans 13:11-14:

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Emphasis mine)

Paul referred to the return of Christ as the “blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) John wrote that “everyone who hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John.3:3) So, anticipating Christ’s return ought to influence everything we do.

Paul was writing to the Church members in Rome. Apparently, some of their lifestyles must have reflected the culture around them rather than what they professed to believe. Like the proverbial “frog in the kettle,” they had become acclimated and failed to realize danger. They were spiritually asleep. Imagine hearing Paul’s startling warning, like a fire alarm: “The day of Christ’s return is at hand!”

It was time to wake up. Time to shed their pajamas and prepare for a very special guest—the king. It was time to put on the armor of light.

That evening, as the BIOLA student was preaching, it felt like the sermon was directed at me. I was a pastor’s son. I knew the correct answers. I could quote Scripture. I had my eschatology down pat, but I was living another life—a lie.

If Jesus had returned prior to that sermon’s conclusion, I would have been ashamed. Or, worse, I may have discovered that I really wasn’t a follower of Jesus after all.

I have asked in four previous posts, “Do we really believe Christ may return any moment?” Has this blessed hope purified our lifestyles? Do our actions affirm our words? Are we sleeping like the foolish virgins in the parable?

My original title for this post was “Just Keep Doing the Right Thing.” So, in the event Jesus would return today, live like we truly expect Him. What might “doing the right thing” involve?

I am concerned for my neighbors and friends who have not experienced God’s grace, so I pray for them and seek to build relationships with them.

Discretionary money would not simply be mine to enjoy, but to also invest in God’s Kingdom work. My checking and credit card accounts would reflect my anticipation of Jesus’ return. Jesus said it this way, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” (Matthew 5:21)

If Christ was to return today, I wouldn’t want to be “under the influence” of any substance or poring over pornography.

Finally, because I anticipate Chris’s return, I want to be doing justice.

As I wrote those last two words, I felt mild hesitation because I have friends who may push back because of the faulty view of “social justice” today. Faulty because of its wrong diagnosis and wrong prognosis as well as its prescriptions.

Unjust actions have been part of human history since our declaration of independence from God in the Garden. Prejudice and violence have been parr for the course. The strong abuse the weaker. Men have oppressed women. Children are exploited and discarded. Racial prejudice flows both directions. Even the natural environment has been exploited for selfish gain. There’s injustice wherever we look. Every nation has a history of injustice, sometimes against their own citizens. Segregation was wrong! Evil. Especially when justified by professing Christians with a Bible in their home.

Doing justice is not philosophical or political. It’s as practical as supporting a faith-based ministry responding to famine conditions or natural disasters or providing safe drinking water and basic medical treatment such as anti-malarial drugs or mosquito nets.

Biblical justice will include praying for our brothers and sisters facing persecution and death. It’s supporting widows and children of pastors in Africa who have been beheaded by Islamic terrorists. Practicing justice may include financially supporting or volunteering at a local Pregnancy Resource center or a free medical clinic or a homeless shelter or faith-based recovery ministry.

None of the above will ever earn a place in heaven, but they do reflect God’s love and grace in our lives. I believe they also reflect authentic confidence that Jesus will return.

Perhaps today.