The End?

Throughout history, and especially today, it is common to hear people declare, “The end is near!” From a Bible point of view, we can see events of today that may suggest the end is, indeed, very near. However, that has frequently been true in other generations and centuries. There are always events which cause us to wonder. One important thing for us to remember is “if the end came tomorrow, what does that mean for me?” We’ll address that shortly. In the Bible first Peter acknowledges that the end could be near (that was almost 2000 years ago), and he gives us advice for living as if it is.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
• Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
• Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
• Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
• 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. 1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter encourages us to “love each other deeply.” What does that mean for us today? How does that impact you, and your lifestyle? As you reflect on your everyday interactions, do they reflect love?

Peter also wants us to know that God has given us gifts to use in helping others. This may be in the way we speak and interact with people (a kind word can be powerful). It can be how we respond to someone in need. We use God-given wisdom and discretion to know how God may be calling us to come along side someone.

Peter ends this instruction with the reason we want to serve God, however He leads. We do so in order that “in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.” We want our lives to honor God and point people to Jesus. Hopefully, you or someone may eventually be able to share the whole story of God’s love for them and how Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection paid the price for our sins provided the opportunity to have relationship with Him now and forever. And that is the answer to our earlier question. If we believe and have that relationship with Jesus, we know we will be in that relationship with Him forever. And we can have confidence in this truth no matter when the world as we know it, comes to an end; be it today or in another couple thousand years. In the meantime, love one another deeply.