Luke 12:39 (ESV) But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.

Jesus used the above illustration to be ready always.

Luke 12:40 (ESV) You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Let’s think of the illustration for a moment. As you put yourself into the illustration of being on the owner’s side of a break in – what would you do?

• What would you do if you knew someone was trying to break into your house?
  
• What would you do if you knew someone was trying to break up your family?
  
• What would you do if you knew someone was trying to cause havoc in the church and take away our children?
  
• What would you do if you knew enemies were trying to destroy our community and our country?

What would you do if in all these situations you were the only person who could help?

I recently heard a coach being interviewed who was bemoaning the fact that his players had an attitude of doing just what was required but thought it wasn’t fair that others were getting better results than they did. Mr. Collins says the same about many of his students as do most teachers today. People seem to want to do the least possible, but expect the rules to be changed or the standards dropped to accommodate a lesser requirement so they will get the desired result.

If we are going to know truth we must have a point of reference and Jesus has given us one – Himself.

John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Philippians 2:14 (ESV) Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Which most characterizes you – grumbling or gratitude? You can always find something which can rub you the wrong way, if you allow it, and complain about it. Ever notice that you don’t have to teach children to complain or murmur? Murmuring and complaining seem to just roll right off the tongue.