1 Peter 4:7: The End Of All Things Is At Hand; Therefore Be Self-Controlled And Sober-Minded For The Sake Of Your Prayers.

1 Peter 4:7

[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV)

There are times where we seem to lose our focus on how we should live our daily lives as Christians. The first thing that Peter mentions here in this verse is the imminent return of Christ. The believer in Jesus should always be living his/her life with the sense that the Lord could return at any moment. We do not live for this world, we live for the next, while we are still in this world.

The people in Peter's day needed to be reminded that Christ was returning. In fact, some were questioning why Jesus had not returned yet. In Peter's second letter (2 Peter 3:9) he says this: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (ESV).

How should we live in light of the imminent return of Jesus Christ? We should be self-controlled and sober-minded. It is the pattern of the world to live lives led by their passions. Whether it is chasing after sexual perversions, drunkenness and other immorality, or even being consumed with worry, anxiety, and fear, these are all evidences of a life that is not self-controlled. Christians are to be different.

We are to be sober-minded. We have a purpose. God has called us to live lives for his glory. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The frantic life that is led by emotions is not for us. Our way of living even affects our prayer life. If we are led by passions and not by the Holy Spirit, we will not be able to focus our attention on the things of the Lord, and our conversation with him (prayer) will be ineffective.

Have you considered recently that the Lord is returning? It could be today. In light of this reality, ask the Lord to help you live a self-controlled and sober-minded life. Be about the Father's business.