Why is preparation to meet God important for Christians?

The phrase 'Prepare to meet thy God' from Amos 4:12 serves as a sober reminder of our accountability to God. For Christians, this preparation is vital as it involves understanding our fallen state and the necessity of reliance on Christ for salvation. Just as the ants prepare for winter, we are called to prepare for our eventual meeting with God by acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy. This preparation is not about our works but about laying hold of Jesus Christ, calling on Him for mercy, and trusting in His perfect righteousness rather than our own.