1 Peter 4:3-11 – The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
As Paul said, “Now, we see through a glass darkly…” What exactly was Paul getting at? He was saying that even for Him the future appeared unclear, He saw spiritual things partially, and the result was that we are to walk with the Lord by faith. In today’s passage I quoted the Apostle Peter’s admonitions in light of his view of the future from his perspective 2000 years ago. He was unclear of the timing of the return of Christ, he just knew He would return. He also was unclear of what the coming kingdom would look like, if we are being honest we are quite unclear as well. What Peter did know was that the end of the world as well know it was certain, from an eternal perspective we live at the end of one age and the beginning of another.
In light of all of this how should we live our lives? First, Peter said to love one another. Love could be walking in forgiveness, it covers sin. He also said to let our love be practical, walk out our love in helping others along the way. Next, Peter said to recognize the spiritual and even supernatural nature of your giftings, use them to advance God’s kingdom. He said that these diverse or multi-faceted gifts are displayed in our actions as well as in our words. Let your words be permeated with God’s word which will bring life to those in your world. Peter said living this way in light of the nearness of the coming of the Lord would bring glory to the Lord. Even today, 2000 years later, we still see through a glass darkly, fix your eyes on Jesus, He will help you glorify the Lord in in your actions and in your words.