1
Peter 4:7-19English Standard Version (ESV)
7 The end of all things is
at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your
prayers. 8 Above all, keep
loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another
without grumbling. 10 As
each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of
God's varied grace: 11 whoever
speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by
the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not be
surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something
strange were happening to you. 13 But
rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and
be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If
you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of
glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as
a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of
God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not
obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely
saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the
sinner?”[b]
19 Therefore let those who
suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while
doing good.
We
have all heard the phrase, “this too shall pass” and that is what I thought of
when I read, “The end of all things is at hand”. We, as humans, have struggles,
disappointments, heartache, and grief. That
is what we call life and the result of sin.
Even though our Heavenly Father forgives us, there are still
consequences, just as there were in the time of Adam and Eve. However, Christ demonstrated to us how we
should live our lives by suffering and dying for us while we were yet
sinners. Romans 5:8 tells us, 8 but
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:8&version=ESV)
So,
I must ask myself, “Have I really suffered for Christ?” “Have I taken up the cross of Christ
daily?” “Have I responded to fiery
trials the way that Christ would?” The
answer to those questions is a resounding “no” but my heart and soul desire to
be more and more like Christ in whatever circumstance I find myself. When I suffer for Christ it should be all for
Him not for me. Yet, so many times I
look at myself and how much I was hurt, forgetting that this life is not about
me but about Christ.
These
passages tell us to keep on loving even to the seemingly unlovable. Keep doing what is right even if everyone
else finds that to be appalling. Keep on
keeping on for the sake of Christ. Today
in my prayer time, I asked what I was supposed to do for Christ and then I read
the answer in these passages. No, it
does not tell my what occupation that I am to have but it does tell me to use
the gifts that He has given me to do good for those around me. I am going to keep on seeking God, in all
circumstances, I am going to keep on loving even when I have a hard time
finding that love, and I am going to keep on putting my faith and trust in the
One True God. Seek Him and know that He
is worthy of our trust, our honor, and our praise.
Seeking
Him with all my heart,
Sheila
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