1. What Would You Do Different?
What if you had just
one week to live?
How would that
change your actions
and decisions? This
isanot-so-hypothet-
ical situation, as in-
dividuals who have
received a diagnosis
of a terminal illness
do face this scenario. Being given a deadline for the end of
your life provides focus and clarity. Often, someone who is
terminally ill will comment that their situation helps them
realize what is important. As believers in Jesus Christ, we
should act in a similar manner.
Jesus has told us he is coming back soon. It is something to which all
believers in Jesus Christ look forward. The question is, does it make
a difference in the way we live?
Do you think about the impact of your decisions in light of your re-
lationship with Jesus Christ? If not, which decisions would be given
less thought? Which would carry greater importance?
Do you filter your actions through the lens of Jesus and his promised
return? Not “Would you want to be caught doing that when Jesus
returns?” Rather, “How does this action demonstrate my anticipation
of Jesus’ return?” Would it impact the activities in which you decide
to participate and what you choose to eat and/or drink?
What about your speech? If you knew Jesus was coming back, would
it change the way you talk – both the words you choose and what
you talk about? What, if anything, would change?
In the private world of your thought life, would Jesus’ soon return
have an impact there? What would you spend time dwelling on?
What role would daydreaming play? Would you spend more or less
time thinking about yourself or others?
When it comes to living life conscious that Jesus is soon to return,
the apostle Paul wrote these words of instruction to the Philippian
believers in the first century. They are just as applicable to us today:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such
things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or
seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with
you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
If you’re thinking about the changes you would make if you knew
when Jesus was coming back, what’s keeping you from making those
changes now? “Easier said than done,” you might be saying. “It’s not
easy to change years of ingrained behavior. Trust me, I’ve tried!”
Yes, changing behavior can be difficult. Entire industries have devel-
oped with the goal of helping people with their self-improvement
goals – weight loss, fitness and life coaching quickly come to mind.
Personal trainers, dieticians and life coaches are available to help
people stick with the changes necessary to achieve the desired weight,
fitness level or lifestyle.
How does someone successfully change their thought life and actions
to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praisewor-
thy? Where do you go for help? Jesus has already given us the help
we need. One day, as he was talking with his disciples, Jesus made
a promise to them and to
us. “If you love me, keep
my commands. And I will
ask the Father, and he will
give you another advocate
to help you and be with you
forever – the Spirit of truth.
The world cannot accept
him, because it neither sees
him nor knows him. But you
know him, for he lives with
you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)
The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to help you change your behavior
to be more Christ-focused. That is one of his roles, that of a divine
helper. He will not force you to change your behavior, but he will help
youmakechangesinlinewithGod’swillwhenyouask.Askforhishelp,
follow as he leads and live your life as if Jesus was returning this week.