Sober and watchful

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4.7-11

 

Peter now gives us some practical advice about how we are supposed to act as we see the times get worse and worse.

 

There is now doubt that things are getting worse and worse. Unreal things are going on in this world. It is easy for us to either give up or give in, but neither of them is God’s way. His way is for us to not lose heart and keep on living for Him.

 

The first things he says is that we are supposed to be serious about life and that we are to be watchful. We need to get real about life and keep our eyes open. We can’t just laugh all of this off and try to ignore it. God has nothing against enjoying the lives He has given us. He made us to enjoy life and have fun.

 

What Peter addresses here is living a life of empty frivolity and wastefulness. It’s a life that takes nothing seriously, even the things of God. Instead we are to always watchful as we look for ways and chances to serve Him. Life is about a lot more than just having fun.

 

We must remember that we have the greatest task ever given, the task of bringing people to Jesus and that must be the most important thing on out agenda.