Life is the ultimate dichotomy. It is both short and long, and we feel the tension between the two every day. Our time on this earth is not even a blip on the timeline of eternity. We are but a vapor that is here one moment, and gone the next (James 4:14; Psalm 103:15–16). But the time spent living in that “blip” can seem grueling and never-ending. This is true for our walk with Christ as well. Not that Jesus Himself is taxing in any way; His burden is light and we find our rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30).
But the world makes living for Jesus one challenge after another. We must choose Christ over our sinful nature every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Sometimes it can feel like a grind. It is why so many fall away (Matthew 13:20–21), and why we are called to persevere to the end (Matthew 24:13).
Near the end of His life on earth, Jesus told two parables that focused on vigilance and diligence (Matthew 25:1–30). Both are required characteristics of those who persevere to the end and receive the reward of eternal life in God’s Kingdom (Hebrews 10:36; Revelation 2:10). The “Parable of the Ten Virgins” shows the need for us to be alert at all times, always looking for the return of Jesus (Matthew 25:1–13). This shouldn’t be something we think about every now and then, but an anticipation we feel every day.
He is coming back, but we don’t know when (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7). His return is what every Christian desires most. We long for Him to come in glory, right every wrong, and bring us into His presence forever (Titus 2:11-13; Revelation 21:3–4). If we aren’t watching for Jesus, what will He find us doing when He comes back? A good question to always keep at the forefront of your mind is, “If Jesus came back right now, would He be pleased with what I am doing?” That question alone will keep you away from many temptations. I can think of few things more tragic than living a faithful life and then having Jesus return at a moment when we’ve let our guard down and given in to a moment of weakness. Be alert and live a life longing to see His return (Luke 12:35–40; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
In His “Parable of the Talents,” in Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus illustrates why we must be diligent while awaiting His return. He expects us to be using the gifts He entrusts to us for His glory until He comes back (1 Corinthians 4:2). This daily work is where we most feel the grinding effects of life in a fallen world. We get tired (Galatians 6:9), want to indulge in desires of the flesh like the rest of the world (Galatians 5:17), and sometimes just want to give up (Hebrews 12:3). Giving up is the most short-sighted thing we could ever do. Peace, joy, rest, and eternal life are so close, available to all who believe with such sincerity that they will persevere to the end (Romans 8:18; James 1:12).
Don’t give up. The Lord is our refuge and our strength when we are weary (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 40:29). Our God never grows tired and has an inexhaustible supply of power and peace He longs to lavish on you (Isaiah 40:28–31). We can persevere to the end if we will surrender our desires to His plans and purpose. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel; stay alert, watching for His glorious return. Don’t grow weary, but do all things in His strength and for His glory (Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:29). These light afflictions are indeed working towards a great eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). Hold on, because the day of salvation is at hand (Romans 13:11). Press forward so you can hear our wonderful Savior say to you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21; John 15:15)!