In 2023 I asked audiences in five cities these 2 questions:
1. Do you think Jesus is coming back?
2. Do you think Jesus is coming back in your lifetime?
About 99% of hands go up on question #1. YES! Jesus is coming back to gather his followers! But the crazy thing is that when I ask question #2, only about 10% of hands go up. It seems that some Christ followers may have forgotten about the Bible verse that says Jesus is coming like a thief in the night. Clearly the thief does not notify us which night he’ll be robbing the house!.
The topic of being ready was one of the main themes of Jesus’ teachings. In the parable of the talents in Luke 19 he urges us to be ready and to have invested our talents well when he returns and asks for a report. In Matthew 24 he explains at length the signs of his coming so we won’t be deceived into careless living. He gives us the parable of the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25 to urge us to keep watch, stay awake, and be alert for his return.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re reminding me about that Bible verse rattling around in your head (it’s Matthew 24:36) that says, “no man knows the hour or the day (when Jesus will return), even the angels don’t know!” But here’s the thing: for many of us, that “not knowing” somehow translates into the mindset that Jesus is coming back after we die, maybe in the life our grandkids or after the year 2085 or some other far-off future date.
Why does this matter to 2024 and your role leading a business or working in a business? Well, what IF Jesus was coming back this year? or next year, or in 5 years, or next month, or this week? Since he’s coming like a thief in the night, he could just as well come this week as in 90 years. If he WAS coming in your lifetime, how would you live differently? How would it affect your planning and goals? What impact would it have on your decision-making? How would your priorities change? What would it do to your relationships? Would it have any affect on the way you communicate your faith? Could you envision gathering your team members on the shop floor or in the boardroom and saying, “There are some important things I want to share with you”?.
On a side note: has there been someone on your heart and mind to tell about Jesus? If you’ve had someone on your list for a while now, or if a new person just popped into your head, maybe you need to take the step in 2024 of helping them be ready for Jesus to return.
Oh, one more thing. While we’re on the subject of being ready, here at Convene we’re ready for you to join us for a leadership learning event called Convene 2024 in Rancho Bernardo, California, May 1, 2 and 3, 2024. The theme is Ready! Check out the details at www.convenenow.com/convene2024. We will meet together with world-renowned leaders to talk shop about running a company that honors God and is profitable and excellent and cares for people, all at once. Join us! We’ll help you be ready in all areas of your business and personal life.
Greg Leith
CEO