What Would You Do Different?What if you had just one week to live? How would that change your actions and decisions? This is a not-so-hypothet-ical situation, as in-dividuals who have received a diagnosis of a terminal illness do face this scenario. Being given a deadline for the end of your life provides focus and clarity. Often, someone who is terminally ill will comment that their situation helps them realize what is important. As believers in Jesus Christ, we should act in a similar manner.

Jesus has told us he is coming back soon. It is something to which all believers in Jesus Christ look forward. The question is, does it make a difference in the way we live?

Do you think about the impact of your decisions in light of your re-lationship with Jesus Christ? If not, which decisions would be given less thought? Which would carry greater importance?

Do you filter your actions through the lens of Jesus and his promised return? Not “Would you want to be caught doing that when Jesus returns?” Rather, “How does this action demonstrate my anticipation of Jesus’ return?” Would it impact the activities in which you decide to participate and what you choose to eat and/or drink?

What about your speech? If you knew Jesus was coming back, would it change the way you talk – both the words you choose and what you talk about? What, if anything, would change?

In the private world of your thought life, would Jesus’ soon return have an impact there? What would you spend time dwelling on? What role would daydreaming play? Would you spend more or less time thinking about yourself or others?

When it comes to living life conscious that Jesus is soon to return, the apostle Paul wrote these words of instruction to the Philippian believers in the first century. They are just as applicable to us today: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

If you’re thinking about the changes you would make if you knew when Jesus was coming back, what’s keeping you from making those changes now? “Easier said than done,” you might be saying. “It’s not easy to change years of ingrained behavior. Trust me, I’ve tried!”

Yes, changing behavior can be difficult. Entire industries have devel-oped with the goal of helping people with their self-improvement goals – weight loss, fitness and life coaching quickly come to mind. Personal trainers, dieticians and life coaches are available to help people stick with the changes necessary to achieve the desired weight, fitness level or lifestyle.

How does someone successfully change their thought life and actions to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praisewor-thy? Where do you go for help? Jesus has already given us the help we need. One day, as he was talking with his disciples, Jesus made a promise to them and to us. “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17)

The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to help you change your behavior to be more Christ-focused. That is one of his roles, that of a divine helper. He will not force you to change your behavior, but he will help you make changes in line with God’s will when you ask. Ask for his help, follow as he leads and live your life as if Jesus was returning this week.