The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can PRAY. Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Clear minded.
Self-controlled.
Pray.
Love deeply.
Each and every time I read these verses, I am motivated and inspired!
The context of this chapter is living for God and suffering for being a Christian. No matter what we face, whether we are surrounded by unbelievers who recognize that there is something “different” about us, but don’t really “get it,” or we are obviously suffering for Christ because of our faith…
we need to make the choice to be obedient to the Lord.
Especially in regard to our spouses.
Do you feel tempted to get your way? Or prove that you’re right (and he’s wrong?!) in a disagreement? Or simply pitch a fit because you’re feeling frustrated?
I would venture to say that most of us have faced those temptations (and others!) in our marriage.
So, I’ll say it again:
Clear minded.
Self-controlled.
Pray.
Love deeply.
It’s really not complicated.
It does, however, mean that we need to do what 1 Peter 4:1-2 tell us:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Have you suffered in order to practice obedience to God’s will? Christ suffered the ultimate suffering…for us so that we don’t have to give our lives for our sin.
However, to obey the Lord we will, at times, have to suffer. Most of us won’t have to suffer unto death, as Jesus did. But we will suffer and it is imperative that we do it with the right attitude.
You may be asking yourself, “What suffering?”
How ’bout forgoing doing things your way with a sweet attitude so your hubby can have things his way?
Or putting your needs aside to meet his needs…like ironing, cooking, packing, cleaning, or fill in the blank here with your particular suffering! With gentleness, kindness, and love. {Verses 9 &10 in this chapter call it “faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”}
Or saying “yes” when you’d really rather say “no?”
When we choose to do what is right in God’s eyes, we choose blessing and the Spirit of glory and of God! (I Peter 4:13-14)
So, remember, don’t be surprised when painful trials and suffering comes along. It’s not strange. It’s what happens when Christians do what they are supposed to do. So rejoice.
That rejoicing may seem counter-intuitive. Isn’t that the way that much of God’s kingdom is? His ways definitely aren’t our ways! But do it out of obedience to the One who has promised and is faithful.
Praying for all of us,
Rebecca
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