Living to Bring Him Glory

This morning I felt like reading from 1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV:

[7] "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

So just a few comments on these verses. First, Peter wrote this letter most likely in the early 60's, shortly before his death. His perspective about the end of all things being near was very accurate for himself. Also it was only a few years later that the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and specifically the temple, so for the Jewish believer this was also quite true, as the end of the Temple and Jewish worship there and even the church in Jerusalem was soon to be seen. That being said, it is also a good perspective to have in our own lives, that we don't know our own timelines, and thus we should live with an expectation that our days could end soon, making the most of each day.

Second, the two primary things he calls the church to are prayer and loving one another deeply. I think that would be such a good thing if we could say of any church that they are a praying church and they love each other deeply! We are supposed to be known for our love for each other (John 13:35). Prayer is communication with God, so the combination of the two, communicating with God in intimate relationships, and loving each other deeply through strong relationships, speaks of a very relational church.

Third, Peter encourages them to use their gifts that they have received to serve one another. This is clearly speaking of the Spiritual giftings of the church, for he speaks of God's grace (gifts of unmerited favor) in its various forms. I think we can also include into this our natural gifts and blessings, for all come equally from the Lord, who is our provider. The call to serve one another without grumbling is really a direction to do away with selfishness. Why do we grumble, chiefly because we are looking at ourselves, rather than others! We are feeling deprived, neglected, shortchanged, overlooked, underpaid, etc.

Finally, we should strive to bring God glory in everything we do. We should be aware of how He wants to use us, trusting in Him to provide us direction and guidance. We should have an awareness that we are His representatives, and thus we should live our lives that way. Imagine how different our lives would be if everything we did was focused with the intent of bringing God glory.

So, I am encouraged today to be sober and alert, to pray and love deeply, to serve well and in all things to strive to bring Glory to His name. Amen Lord!