Live looking

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14

What does it mean to ‘live looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?’

Some folks think it means that we live scanning the headlines to see what new event catches our eye and what we can try to fit into God’s timeline. I think though that Paul gives the best picture of what it means to live looking in 1 Thessalonians 5. At first, he tells the readers not to be worrying about signs and times. He says that while we wait, we are to:

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophecies.

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

That’s quite a list, but it describes what it means to live looking for His coming.

Use time we have. It’s like the angel told the disciples – why do you stand here waiting?