Is Bible Prophecy Becoming a Distraction in Your Life?

Watching does not mean don’t work. You can do both at the same time. Look at what he said just a few verses later.

Watching and waiting for Jesus’ return is a good thing, but while you are watching and waiting make sure you are still working. Don’t let prophecy distract you from doing the work he requires before he comes.

When you go back to Acts, look at what happened after Jesus was taken up into heaven.

The disciples were looking intently into the sky. In my words they were star gazing. The two men in white snapped them back into reality basically telling them stop gazing and get to work. We have to make sure that we are doing both, watching and working. Until Jesus comes, remain faithful to what he has called you to do. It’s ok to look up but don’t become a star gazer because when you do, Bible prophecy then becomes a distraction.

Let’s be honest, each and every day it seems like our society as a whole moves further away from Godly standards and principles. On a side note – we should not be shocked because the Bible tells us this would happen. When this happens then the ideals and things you hold dear to your heart and your faith as a believer come under attack. Sometimes it leads to mocking and ridicule. It is possible if this should happen to you that you could allow bitterness to rise up in your heart. Especially towards those who are the mockers. In these moments you may long for Jesus to come back to prove them wrong and to show them who is really in charge. You want Jesus to come and take revenge on all those who oppose the message of the gospel. However this is not the heart of God. When Jesus was hanging on the cross after being beaten, spit upon, mocked, ridiculed, and nailed to a cross he actually uttered these words,

Looking for Jesus to return should not create anger in you for those who don’t believe, but compassion for them. For those who don’t know Jesus, his return moves them closer to their being lost forever. This should move your heart to concern and compassion, not justice and judgment. The “God’s gonna get you attitude” does not align with who God is. Yes he is a God of justice and he will judge the sinner, but before he gets to that end he offers much more opportunities for mercy and grace. We should do the same. Don’t let the hope and expectation of the return of Jesus cause you to stop loving and reaching for those who don’t believe.

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I want to leave you with a simple instruction. Watch, Pray, Work. Watch because he is coming. Pray so you heart is always right before him. Work until he comes. There will come a day when you won’t have to work anymore, but that is not today. In the meantime, don’t let Bible prophecy distract you. Stay focused and keep doing the work until that day Jesus comes again. Yes that day is coming and it may be sooner than we all think, no one knows. Until then do what Jesus said in John 9:

Jesus hasn’t come yet, that means it’s still day. That means it’s time to get to work and not let the reality of his coming keep you from doing what he has called you to do.

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Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club.  He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.