Stay Vigilant

Now, brothers and sisters, 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 (NIV)

I remember that in 1994—when I was still young—an American preacher named Harold Camping set the date for Judgment Day (specifically, the return of Jesus) for September 6 of that year. A church pastor, believing this announcement, decided to profit from it; he used the information to convince his congregation to donate all their possessions to the poor and needy, thereby ensuring their salvation. He misappropriated a significant portion of these donations to acquire assets and live a life of luxury before ascending to heaven. On the eve of the appointed date, he donned expensive, luxurious clothing, preparing to meet his Savior.

He is not the only one to have been influenced by theories regarding the return of Christ and Judgment Day. Indeed, in recent years, many films dealing with Judgment Day have been released—the most iconic being *Terminator*. Yet, although Jesus warned us of His imminent return, He never specified a date or a timeframe. In fact, He Himself declared that only the Father knows the moment. That is why you and I must prepare for this glorious day. We must not let the world convince us that the Day of the Lord is still far off and that we will have time to get our lives in order later.

Just as Paul often did with his listeners, I urge you not to take these words lightly. The return could take place in a thousand years, in fifty years, in ten years—or even tonight. Since no one but God knows the moment, it means He wants us to remain constantly vigilant regarding our faith and our sanctification. Be ready at all times; that way, if you hear the trumpet, instead of scrambling to confess your faults, you will be at peace with yourself and in the presence of your Savior. So be a vigilant Christian.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.