As she walked in the door she found her house in absolute disarray as the result of a New Years eve party.

Matthew 24.36.51

Reference:  v.42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (NIV Bible)

Explore:  A friend of mine went away for two weeks over New Years, leaving her 22 year old son at home.  She had planned to return on the 11th of January but due to some changes she arrived home a day early.  As she walked in the door she found her house in absolute disarray as the result of a New Years eve party.  In every single room there were empty bottles, dirty cups, half eaten food and used linen.  While her son jumped to his defence proclaiming that she had arrived home a day early my friend reminded him that it was the 10th day after this New Years eve party had been held!
This passage speaks of the unpredictable nature of God.  We can not know what He will do, or when He will do it.  We can only determine our own behaviour and how we act in any situation.

Application:  This passage really picks up on the integrity of a person.  Do we act differently if we don't think anyone will notice?  I'm not talking about dancing in front of the mirror when no one is in the house!  I'm talking about do we treat people with respect even if we are not directly held accountable?
 I guess we never know who is watching our actions or who will turn up a day early!!  If we are to be followers of Christ then it's not something you turn off and on when it suits.  Its a 24/7, full-time, day-in / day-out commitment.  That doesn't mean that it's always going to be clear sailing, it often makes life more difficult.  However it is the life we are called to by God.

Prayer:  Lord, you gave completely of yourself, every step of the way.  May we draw strength from your example and do the same.  Amen.

Have you found yourself in a situation when someone noticed your actions when you didn't expect them to?  How does your integrity speak of your discipleship to Christ?