The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and
self-controlled so that you can pray (1 Peter 4:7).
Do frantic times call for more frantic measures? One would think so to
objectively observe the world around us. Everyone seems to be running from one thing to
the next, trying to find life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But happiness today
seems greatly defined by immediate and temporary happen-stance, rather than by what is
lasting.
Our culture seems to be in a frenzy, with little real direction. With everyone so
self-absorbed, looking out for "number one" and "all they can get out of
life, " there seems to be little exercise of any real self-control. Sex scandals rock
the Whitehouse. Evangelists are caught lining their pockets with church funds. Community
no longer means coming together as much as it means living in a neighborhood full of
people hiding out behind locked doors and privacy fences, protecting (with lethal force at
times) what's theirs materialistically. The "WELCOME" mat has been withdrawn, at
least in spirit, if not literally.
Just about anyone you talk to will readily agree that our society is heading for a fall.
We are plagued by a mentality that lives for today--ignoring the ramifications we will
have to face tomorrow. The deficit climbs and we hold our collective breath as we watch
the ups and downs of the stock market. For we know it is only a matter of time before the
economy comes crashing in on itself.
Peter gives us some good advice as we approach "the end of all things." He tells
us to "be clear minded and self-controlled" so that we can pray. It is
imperative that we as Christians keep our heads in the days to come, so that we can be
lifting a fallen people up to God. Otherwise, we will be facing the frantic times just as
anyone who does not know God. We will be depending on ourselves, our own strength and our
own abilities to get us through. And like the rest of the world, we will only be concerned
for our own, rather than praying for all. And like the rest we will be shaken by the
circumstances of our day.
Here's the exhortation, the strong encouragement for us all: We must prepare ourselves for
what is to come. Again I repeat Peter's words, "be clear minded and self-controlled
so that you can pray." We need to pull our attentions off of the "worries of
this life" (Mt.13:23), and focus on God. He is the only Rock, and sure foundation. He
is the only unchanging place where we will find true security. Many of us have placed our
future security in money, retirement funds or social securities. Yet the economy of this
country is fluctuating like the thoughts of it's people. And it will not last.
We must see that in these final days as the end approaches, that we must place our trust
completely in God alone. We must realize that when the market crashes and money is scarce,
their will be thousands of people who will take their own lives. Many of which will be
church going Christians who were unfortunate enough to see no way to go on without a job
or and income or their financial future.
There is a day coming that will shake the very foundations of our way of life. But there
is a God who will not be moved. And if we are truly hanging on to Him, looking Him
steadfastly in His eyes, while all else crumbles around us--we will not be moved either.
But we will remain standing with the hope and assurance we have in Christ our Lord. And we
will survive the crumbling world around us by knowing that God is with us--even if we have
nothing else.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and
self-controlled so that you can pray (1 Peter 4:7).
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