Living in Light of the End

This world teaches us live in light of the moment. Whatever brings temporary pleasure, satisfies our desires, and fulfills our dreams takes priority, even at the cost of hurting others. We’re not taught to count the cost, or think about the consequences of our actions, but to enjoy the day at hand. But God calls us to live in light of “the end of all things” (1 Pet. 4:7). Specifically, as we live with eternity in view, we are to pray and we are to serve.

Pray

One of the ways that we live in light of the end is by praying. Peter tells us we’re to “be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7). Prayer humbles us by reminding us that we are dependent upon God for everything. Prayer also teaches us that we are not the center of the universe; God is. In addition, prayer encourages us to rest in the sovereign plan of our heavenly Father. Moreover, prayer corrects us by aligning us with God’s will. Finally, prayer trains us to seek the things above, love God, and love our neighbor.

               Jesus taught us how to pray (Matt. 6:5-13). We are to approach God as children, calling him “Father.” At the same time, we are to approach God as holy. We are to be kingdom-minded, desiring God’s kingdom and will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are to rely on the Lord for each day’s resources. We are to ask for forgiveness of our sins, and forgive others when they sin against us. And we are to ask that God would keep us from temptation.

               How are you living in light of the end by talking to God about your day, and leading others to do the same?

Serve

Another way we are to live in light of the end is by serving others. Peter addresses three primary ways of serving others—through loving one another, showing hospitality to one another, and using our gifts to benefit one another. First, we are to “keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). Think of something in your life that you earnestly desire. Maybe it’s a best friend, spouse, child, job title, or ministry position. It’s likely you think about this desire daily. To love one another earnestly we must think about how to serve one another. One of the ways we do this is to overlook an offense for the sake of unity. This doesn’t mean we never address sins done against us. Some sins needs to be addressed and we should love one another enough to enter into constructive conflict. But it does mean we choose to overlook things, like an irritated sigh, frustrated word, critical comment, or impatient remark, in order to avoid an argument.                                             

               When Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive his brother, he started with the number seven. But Jesus raised the bar. We should be willing to forgive others seventy-seven times (Matt. 18:21-22). In other words, we should reflect the forgiveness of God: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12).

               The second way we serve others is to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Pet. 4:9). Opening up our homes to others, in order to share our time, money and resources with those in need, reflects God’s compassion and kindness. There are many different ways to do this. Sometimes it means visiting another in their home, or even meeting at a neighborhood park. Hospitality is more about opening our heart to another, than our home. It is welcoming another person into our life with the purpose of blessing them with gospel-centered conversation, and any other kind of assistance they need that we’re capable of giving.   

               Jesus powerfully teaches us about hospitality in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). We are to show compassion to others, even at great cost to ourselves. Hospitality is a mercy ministry. The Lord will bring people into our lives that are in need, and we are to extend our hands toward them in compassion and kindness.

               Peter mentions a third way to serve others. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:10). Serving, then, is about stewardship. God has given His people different gifts in order to encourage and edify one another (see 1 Pet. 4:11; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:1-16). Regardless of what gifts we have received, God supplies the strength, so that He is glorified through Jesus Christ in everything we do. The glory does not belong to us, but to Him.

               How are you living in light of the end by serving others, and leading those around you to do the same?

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               Don’t follow this world and live in light of the moment. Instead, live in light of “the end of all things” (1 Pet. 4:7). Especially, devote yourself to prayer and to serving others. Love them earnestly. Overlook minor offenses. Show hospitality without complaining. And use the gifts God’s given you to edify and encourage others. 

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.