1 Thesselonians 5:1-11. Paul reminds us that we know the "day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." That when people say "there is peace and security," sudden destruction will strike. But we are not in darkness, we are in the light. We know these things will happen and expect them, because we are Christians. Therefore, we know to stay awake and sober, to be ever ready for that day. We should put on a "breastplate of faith and love" and a helmet of the hope of salvation, because God has not destined his children for destruction, but for salvation through his Son. We have to be encouraged, and build each other up.

So, it is a bit of a comfort that Paul says the day of destruction will come when there is peace and security, because there certainly isn't peace and security right now, so I guess it's not coming soon (haha, I guess!). This passage can be read as encouragement to be prepared for any disaster or evil that befalls us. All is in accordance with God's will, he does not permit anything to happen that is not his will. So we know that we will suffer in this world, and bad things will happen. Take courage even when these happen, remember and trust that God has not destined us for destruction, but for salvation. He wanted us to live peacefully, securely, and in his love from the very beginning of creation. It was our turning away from him that caused evil to come into the world. In order for that evil to be finally destroyed in each of us, we must suffer - individually, and as a world. It is hard, but not hopeless, in fact, hope should fill us even when (especially when!) we are suffering! He is honing us, forging us in the fire to make us worthy of salvation.

We all have our own individual day of destruction, our death. We should take Paul's advice and live every moment awake and aware that it could be our last. In that moment, are we being Christ-like? Are we following him? Would we want to defend that moment at the hour of our death? Memento Mori.