I just completed my annual recurrent pilot simulator training, where I practice all the situations I hope never happen in real life. It’s a stressful few days, and we’re graded on our performance. While I’d rather not go through all that testing and pressure, I know it’s essential. Being prepared makes all the difference if something actually goes wrong. Just as I train for emergencies in the simulator, we all need to stay spiritually prepared for the trials of life and for death, which will come to us all.
Most people don’t know when they’ll die. For many, death arrives quietly and unexpectedly. Even those who do know often fail to prepare. We shouldn’t live in fear of death, but we should always be ready to meet Jesus when He calls us home.
The best way to prepare is by strengthening our relationship with God. How often do we talk to Jesus? Do we only pray when we need something, or do we reach out during both the highs and the lows? God calls each of us to follow a path. Are we listening, or are we focused on doing things our own way? When we finally meet Jesus, will He feel like a stranger or a close loved one?
Recurrent training isn’t as difficult for me because I follow the company’s procedures every time I fly. Some pilots, however, spend the year doing their own thing and then scramble to adjust, or fake it, during the test. The same applies to our spiritual lives. If we live the way God asks and follow His lead, we won’t have to panic when judgment comes. We’ll be ready.
We often take great care to prepare for retirement and major life events. Don’t put off preparing for eternity. Those who ignore it are often the ones caught off guard the most. Take a moment to reflect on the reality of eternity. A little preparation today can truly go a long way.
