1 Peter 4:7-8. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins.”
It seems like every week, there is another conflict between Christian ethics and convictions in our world going on. Sports, politics, and retail controversies have recently headlined our news notifications. What do you think Peter would say? He was a practical man, middle class, not overly sophisticated, who cared for boats and fishing nets and worked to support his family. He followed Jesus despite suffering and persecution which he experienced firsthand. Peter writes to hurting and suffering saints to hold onto their hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because this life is short. There is coming a day when all will bow down before the throne of God and be held in judgment (1 Peter 4:5). Therefore, press on! There is urgency in the fact that Christ’s return is coming so live for God in all that you do. We have a strong anchor and prayer brings us into the presence of God. Prayer taps us into God’s listening ears and ignites our spiritual armor for the struggles we all face.
How does one stay calm during fearful or upsetting circumstances? Abraham Lincoln turned to God many times. Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is one example: “And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, . . . I involve the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.” Then there was the prayer Gen. George Patton requested during World War II for the right weather to advance against the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge, which was hindered dramatically due to the winter weather. The Rev. James O’Neill prayed: “Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations.” God answered that prayer as “miracle of miracles, the snow stopped; the skies cleared, and Patton’s 3rd Army, unleashed, went on to crush the Germans and help end the war in Europe. Thousands of miles away in the South Pacific, God also was invoked. After Japan had unconditionally surrendered, President Harry Truman declared August 10, 1945, to be a day of prayer and acknowledged God’s essential role.” Lee Edwards, Ph.D. Commentary, Presidential Prayers: Turning to God in Times of Need.”
When we are panicking, we are not praying. When we are reacting, we are not first praying before we (I) speak, which causes self-control not to be engaged. “Prayer sharpens our awareness so that we are able to be more discerning. It gives us genuine hope and confidence in Christ in the midst of confusion.” Chuck Swindoll. New Testament Insights. James, 1 & 2 Peter.
Keep loving the body of Christ earnestly, fervently, and creatively. That will strengthen and encourage one another because we have the Holy Spirit’s presence with us wherever we go and whatever we do. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. His Word gives us truth to live by. Use your spiritual gifts you have been blessed with to minister to others and plant seeds for eternity.
Peter gives us a lot to think about in 1 Peter 4. Motivate others to remain faithful in living out the love of God shown in their own life. Pray for God to use you in fulfilling His purposes through you. Fix your mind upon Christ’s return, end time ethics, and be filled with joy from fellowshipping with Him and other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Listen to Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave – “God Is In This Story” (Official Music video) You Tube. 10 months ago.