Not long ago, movies about natural disasters were very popular as the millennium drew to a close. Floods, earthquakes, cosmic collisions, and the end of civilization were depicted as real situations. The truth is, these events have occurred in the past and they will happen again in the future. As Christians, we know that we need to prepare for the end of life at all times. Let us remind ourselves of what we still lack, that we may improve and be perfect.
First, we owe God glory. When we are baptized in Jesus' name, we already have the determination to shine for Him. But sometimes we disgrace God’s name among unbelievers. We fail to be the light and salt of the world. Let us not merely glorify God by words only but through our actions and by the help of Holy Spirit:
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Cor 6:20) Secondly, we still lack love towards our brothers and sisters. Does it feel as though we have given enough love already? Do we love one another out of a sense of duty, or from the bottom of our hearts? Paul answers, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law" (Rom 13:8, NIV).
Finally, we have the debt of preaching the gospel to the people of this world. There are still many people around us who need the true gospel. When the day of judgment comes, will the people we know ask us why we didn't preach to them? Let us "preach the word [and] be prepared in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4:2).
We can never repay what we owe to our Lord Jesus. What He desires from us, however, is simple: He just wants us to love God and man with all our heart and might.
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