(The following is the March 31 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Luke 21 and pay close attention to verses 34-36.)

What good are watchmen who spend their time distracted by other matters and fail to remain on the lookout? What help are security guards who spend time staring at a phone or television and never noticing who comes and goes around them? How effective can one be in a position of responsibility when under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Failure to be on guard or focus on one’s duties is a dereliction of duty that may jeopardize us and others.  

Jesus warned people before his crucifixion about being ready for his second coming: “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap…Be alert at all times” (vv. 34, 36).  

Jesus’ return will usher in his final judgment and eternal kingdom. On that day, there will be no more time for unbelievers to get their lives in order and enter a right relationship with Christ. God has not given us a dated countdown to Christ’s second coming, so no human knows when he will come again. Therefore, we must live every day as if this is the possible day of his return. Now is the day we must be alert and watchful, ready for his coming. Now is the day to faithfully proclaim the gospel and obey his Word.  

There are many reasons to stay sober and focused on what is most important for the cause of Christ, but none is greater than the truth that he may return at any moment. We want Jesus to find us ready and faithful when he returns, not distracted and disobedient.  

Next Step:
Are there places you go and things you do where you would be embarrassed should Jesus return at that moment? Doesn’t that suggest it may be time to stop such activity? Be on your guard and stay alert as Jesus demands.