Why is preparing for the Lord's return important for Christians?

Being prepared for the Lord's return is crucial as it reflects our faith and expectation of His second coming. Matthew 24:44 emphasizes that we should live in a state of readiness, having our lives centered on Christ. This preparation affects our eternal destiny, as seen in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, where the separation of the righteous and the unrighteous underscores the importance of being found in Christ. When believers prepare, they live transparently and faithfully, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s grace in their lives.