One of the ways we can prepare for Christ's return is by abiding in Him. When we abide in Christ, we live in relationship with Him. We do this by spending time with Jesus in prayer, reading His Word, obeying His commandments, and trusting Him for the strength to do this. Jesus is our source of love, power, faith, and wisdom: everything we need to live a life that honors Him. When we abide in Christ we are able to bear good fruit in our lives, but apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Although our salvation is not based on our works but is a free gift to those who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9), it is important to remember that one day we will be judged according to our faithfulness. We will be rewarded according to how we serve God with the opportunities and days He has graciously given us, and each of us will give an account of his life (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). We will be rewarded in heaven at the judgment seat of Christ according to how we live our lives (see Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Knowing that one day we will be held accountable for how we used our talents, time, and the opportunities Christ has given us, we should be motivated to live each day to the full. Then, when Christ appears, we will have confidence in what He has produced in our lives. We know how incapable we are of producing good fruit by our own effort and strength. However, as we trust Jesus, abiding in Him and His Word, He will work in us to do what pleases God. We must simply ask Him for it.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to choose to remain in You every day for my whole life. Help me to bear good fruit for You and to honor You with the talents, time, and opportunities You have given me. Until that glorious day of his return, I pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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