"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. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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 forever and ever amen." (1 Peter 4: 7-11.)
A firefighter is easily distinguished from the general public in the face of a fire. As a result of his training he knows the value of being clear minded and self controlled. In the same way, we as christians should be easily recognized by our clear mind and self control, a result of having a definite direction and purpose in life. This particular passage obviously places great importance on the subject of prayer, especially if you are considering we are near the end of all things. Satan is building his kingdom and wars are raging at the personal level. One of his ploys is to distract us with the busyness of life to the point where we neglect prayer time. If we knew the dangers of the powers wrestling for dominion over us we might be more encouraged to pray.
Thank God, for He is moving even more at the personal level. He is revealing Himself more and more to those that continue in the struggle to deny their own self and seek Him as Lord in their life. For only He can give love to lend a compassionate ear to our brother's rough seas. Only He can give motivation to serve out of a pure heart and not out of grumbling obligation. Only He can empower us to use spiritual gifts, not of ourselves, to minister to His kingdom. Only He can move the heart and influence the tongue to speak words that build up and encourage instead of destroying what ground we have already covered. Only He has given us all the power we need to be faithful in service and stewardship.
God is moving in all of these areas. The result: He gets the praise! Not us.
