Jesus is Coming. Are You Resolute?

Over and over, I hear people say, “Jesus is coming soon!” I say it, too. But I often question how strongly we believe that. Enough to change our attitudes, actions, and habits? Enough to be more like Jesus at His return?

In my heart, I know that I need to be more resolute in light of Christ’s coming. Resolute means determined, unwavering, tough-minded, and no-nonsense. It’s the opposite of being aimless, vacillating, easily influenced, distracted, frivolous, and indulgent.

Here are some ways the Lord is speaking to me from His Word about being more resolute:

1. Be Resolute about Preparing for Eternity.

In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul expresses two thoughts. First, he says that if we who are raised to new life with Christ are serious about living the resurrection life, we must keep on seeking, keep on pursuing “the things that are above,” where He is.

Then, we must habitually focus our thoughts on the realities of heavenly things rather than on the things of earth, things with temporal value.

When we begin to see life from God’s perspective, our resolve to prepare for eternity will increase.

2. Be Resolute about Pursuing Holiness.

The Bible says much about pursuing holiness, purity, and godliness. John said that if we have the hope within us that Christ is coming, we will purify our lives, even as He is pure (1 John 3:3).

In 2 Peter 3:11-14, Peter describes what life will be like—great destruction—as it winds down before the Lord comes to establish the new heavens and new earth where only “righteousness dwells.” Peter says we need to be diligent and make every effort to be found by the Lord “without spot or blemish” (pure and blameless) at His return.

To be more specific, Paul advised Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 not to waste time on foolish ideas and teachings, but to “train” or discipline himself for the purpose of godliness, which is valuable and “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Self-discipline toward holy living has now-and-eternal benefits! In Chapter 6, verse 14, Paul further counsels Timothy to keep God’s precepts, without stain or reproach, until the Lord’s return.

Titus 2:12-13 tells us to renounce ungodliness and live “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” waiting for our blessed hope, Christ’s return.

God’s command must be our resolve: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

3. Be Resolute to Press on in Your Purpose.

In Luke 19:11-27, in the Parable of the Ten Minas, a nobleman gave ten of his servants the equivalent of about three months’ wages for a laborer and said, “Engage in business until I come” (v. 13 ESV). The Amplified Version says, “do business… until I return.” Another version (NLT) says, “Invest this for me while I am gone.” The servants were not all faithful in fulfilling the nobleman’s wishes. The point Jesus made was that God calls us to obey Him in fulfilling our calling and purpose, and He expects us to complete our tasks.

Paul told the Philippians, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14). In the great race of life, Paul was resolute and diligent in fulfilling God’s purpose for him and in winning a heavenly reward. His eye was on the goal, and he wasn’t turning back!

Like Paul, we must resolve to press on in our purpose. No turning back.

4. Be Resolute to Protect Your Testimony.

“Establish your hearts,” James said, “for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (5:8 ESV). To establish our hearts is to strengthen them—to keep them energized and strong, fully committed to God. This involves holding fast to God and being faithful to His Word, thereby protecting our testimony in the world.

Peter is even more direct. He says, “Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness (of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith]” (2 Peter 3:17 AMP).

Significant segments of the church are trending toward compromise and embracing unbiblical thinking. While we are in the world, we are not of the world; we need to be careful of associations so we will not be deceived. The best way to do this is to stay in the Word—comparing Scripture with Scripture and not taking things out of context or overlaying them with ungodly worldviews. We don’t want to lose secure footing in the Word.

In Revelation 3:11, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (NKJV). Jesus warned us to be careful that people don’t lead us into foolishness and cause us to renounce our faith.

Protect your testimony, for your benefit, for the watching world, and for the glory of God.

5. Be Resolute to Propagate Good Fruit.

God will finish the work He is doing in you, bringing it to completion when Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6), but we are not to, as my Grandpa used to say, “sit around like a bump on a pickle.” We are to propagate growth, spiritual maturity, and good fruit (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:14; John 15:5-8; Galatians 5:22-23). We are to be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11ESV).

The beautiful truth about salvation in Christ is that old things are passing away, and everything is becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17). From God’s perspective, it’s as good as done!

Ultimately, as we become more like Jesus, we will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and glorify God. That is the primary purpose: “To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18 AMP).

Resolute, and Not Alone!

In all these ways of being more resolute in light of Christ’s coming—and no doubt countless other ways—we are not alone.

God is with us, and He motivates us through His Word, mapping out for us how to prepare. The Holy Spirit—our seal of guarantee regarding our eternal redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5-7)—desires to actively prepare us for Christ’s return by transforming us. He will change our character, guide and teach us, and empower us to live holy, faithful, faith-filled lives (John 14:26; 16:13; Galatians 5:16).

As fellow servants of Christ, we can also “consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 AMP). Pastors and teachers stir up our resolution to live for the Lord, but rubbing shoulders with godly Christian friends and family members helps, as well.

I know I’m determined to be more resolute in light of Christ’s soon return. What does being more resolute look like for you?

Graphic by Peter H, Tama 66, Pixabay.