Pray and Serve One Another
Scripture reading for November 12: 1 Peter 4
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter’s world view was that the end of all things was at hand. That’s still the attitude that believing followers of Christ must live into. When we believe that we soon will see Jesus Christ coming in power and glory and that we will stand before Him and give an account of our stewardship, our lives begin to reflect that truth. What is in our hearts will come out of us in attitudes and actions.
Peter told the suffering believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded so that they could pray effectively. Loving prayer must undergird all of our thinking and actions. Praying is an act of faith and of love for God. Through prayer, we can show love for others in the church family as well as for those mistreating us. We can forgive others and cover their sins, not broadcast them causing strife.
Peter taught that each believer had at least one spiritual gift. These gifts were not to be a source of boasting and division, but used to serve one another in love. God gave each gift and through the Holy Spirit we are responsible for their stewardship. Each gift should be used humbly and with reverence and sincerity to build up Christ’s Church and to bring glory to Him. All glory belongs to Jesus now and forever.
As you examine your life and thinking, do you filter your thinking through the lens of the end being at hand? How does your prayer life reflect your faith and love for God and others? What spiritual gift has God bestowed on you and are you using it now to bring glory to Jesus?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of prayer in these last days. Help me daily to look at each day as possibly my last to use the gifts You have graciously given to serve others and bring glory to You. May I love You and show that love to my brothers and sisters as well as a world needing Jesus. Amen.
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