With the approaching goal in view, the apostle Peter directs us to four activities to keep us focused and on mission so that we finish the race well (1 Peter 4:7-11). The first is rational activity; namely, a continual mindfulness of God; be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers (v.7). Secondly, Peter calls us to keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (v.8). The third charge Peter gives is to show hospitality to one another without grumbling (v.9). Hospitality is a powerful means of injecting God’s love into the lives of FRAN.
Finally, the apostle instructs, as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. You have received a gift – not some of you, each of you. You have been entrusted with an ability empowered by God’s Spirit to serve others. These gifts range from waiting on others (diakoneo) to public speaking – and everything in between. The implication of a stewardship is that the manager to whom the gift is entrusted (you) employs it faithfully for the purposes of the owner (God). The practice of your gift is a means of grace to the people in your world. You have been given a specific Spirit-empowered ability to help others follow Jesus. So, identify your gift. Hone the craft by its use. Be a blessing.
Let these activities be your ambition and occupation until you are face-to-face with Jesus. The Godward walk of faith is anything but the passive, casual stroll of a tourist. We are pressing on through this life headed home. While here as aliens and strangers, we have a mission to carry out – the ministry of reconciliation. So let’s live the gospel through our focused mindfulness of God by loving one another earnestly, by showing hospitality, and by serving one another with our entrusted gifts. In these ways we will be the salt of the earth, preserving human flourishing and creating a thirst for the One who is our ultimate good; we will be the light of the world reflecting the goodness of God in Jesus Christ.
Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Yearn to hear Him say, well done, good and faithful servant, as you run into His embrace.
Stir up one another to love and good works…
all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Heb. 10:24-25)
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