1 Peter 4:11—”If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
We can plainly see that the end of all things is around the corner – broken families and marriages, lack of integrity, children astray, gay marriage, lack of food grains, collapsed banks, every area is crying for Jesus to come back soon.
In the meanwhile in 1Peter 4, we are advised to:
– have self control over our thoughts and actions,
– be sober of mind so devil doesn’t get an easy hold over us,
– love another with God’s true and unconditional love which will cover all our sins,
– be hospitable without grumbles and hesitation
– serve others with the gifts and blessings that God has granted us
– speak to edify and encourage others than to back bite or bring down others
This may seem a long and tedious list of tasks to achieve through every day for the rest of our lives till Jesus comes back for us. How can we be sure to get this done? We cannot do this or anything we plan to on our own. If it is the purpose of God, He has provided us with the gifts to achieve this and so we must use those gifts. More importantly, we ought to serve ‘as one who serves by the strength that God supplies’. ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us’. So, before we start our day or task, go to Jesus. When in doubt, go to Jesus. When we need guidance, go to Jesus. When we succeed, go to Jesus and when we fail also, go to Jesus.
Why? Why? And why must we follow all these tough things that are prescribed for us believers? “In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We are made by God and for Him. As stewards of God’s grace, our very existence must bring God the glory. Hence this is one small way we can please God for choosing us, calling us out, enabling us with gifts, for our protection and pardon, and for everything we are and more. To God be the glory!
