Advent Ponderings on Waiting

So, I've been thinking....

Recently there has been quite a bit of talk, at least in my circles in person and here on the blogesphere, about the coming of end times.

Don't freak out, dear reader, this is no theological, (big word I can't spell meaning study of end times), conversation today. I have no idea for absolute certainty what all the imagery in the Bible means. I have no idea for certain if Christians will be swept up into heaven prior to the time of tribulation or if we will remain here, until the middle or the end of the battle. Those are not my thoughts today, or any day mostly. I'm not placing a judgement on those who think and figure out these things, it just is not my bent.

My thought today, well yesterday and the whole week or two prior, is: If the end is near, and certainly there are those who see the signs that are spoken of in the Bible, how is it that we ought to be spending our time?

My husband and others point to the rampant debauchery, it is horrifying what people are willing to do to and with others; children, women, family, men, strangers.

One fellow pointed out a chart of earthquake recordings in the last century and boy, was there ever a spike in the last decade or two. So, yes it certainly appears as if this could be it. But doesn''t the Word of God say that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, when we least expect Him?

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Jesus' own words were: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:35-37

I don't know for sure what all the pain in the world right now means, except that it is a fallen world, into which God the Father sent God the Son, to save us, to reconcile all things to Him, to send after His Ascension into heaven, God the Holy Spirit, to guide us, to direct our lives, to comfort us in times of trials. My strength to do the will of God which the Holy Spirit whispers into my heart and mind, comes only from the Son Jesus, my Savior, in whom I have faith, especially in times of trouble.

Aren't we called to be perpetually ready for whatever it is God has for us?

Hebrews 10:24-26 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thessalonians 5:14-22

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 1Thessalonians 3:12-13

What about perpetually griping, and name calling, directed at others who do not see things the way we do? Complaining, especially about things we cannot do anything about today? What about speaking to people in sarcastic riddles when we are irritated with them? What about not having the love to speak plainly to someone when we see them not doing what they know God has called them to but instead making offhanded remarks? What about being an isolationist, and avoiding people who don't see our worth? What about being overly concerned about our material state, more than our spiritual state? Concerned about our bellies instead of our hearts towards others especially others who are missing the point, missing the Christ? What about taking in the crap of the world, watching or listening and being entertained by sin, but worried about others who do the same or about those who entertain us?

I wait for Him miserably. And I find excuses for myself in my fallen humanness, forgetting that God has reconciled me through his Son, my Savior, my Strength, my Shepherd. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct me to a better life today, and may I listen and obey.