“Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)
Jesus speaks about the coming of his Kingdom. Nobody knows when this day will come. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and to “stay awake at all times” (Luke 21:36). Of course, Jesus doesn’t mean that we should stay awake literally. But our hearts need to be focused on God’s Kingdom, not weighed down with all kinds of sorrows and distractions.
Our minds should not be completely taken up with “cares of this life”, but leave room for the most important thing in life: seeking God’s kingdom. Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [clothing, food] will be added to you”.
How easily are we “weighed down” by all kinds of things! But Peter reminds us that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief”, also unexpected. Therefore, we should always be prepared and live “lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:10-12).
Is your heart focused on God’s coming Kingdom?