1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV
[7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
As we reflected on yesterday's devotion, we are again reminded today of the importance of being dressed right. Who you are is defined by what you put on, and the things you do will reflect who you are. That is the link between identity and profession. There are jobs whose uniforms and tools make clear what they do. This has to apply the same way to all who profess to be children of God. My identity is a connection with Christ and the salvation He offers, which I have personalised. That is what drives my personal principles, pursuits and priorities. I am reminded also that the gift of salvation that I have personalised has an end result; one day soon, the end of salvation will be a reality and eternal life with God will be real, but until that time, I must live out the presence and power of God in me. As I wait for the full measure of the Life of God to be made manifest in me, I am conscious of my daily actions and decisions.
I am charged to be alert and of sober mind. This has nothing to do with alcohol or anything that intoxicates, but with a heart that is fixed on God alone. This has nothing to do with physical food first, but with spiritual insight and understanding. It is the man who has an understanding of the times he is in that can take the right steps and make the right decisions in response to the demand of these times. We are in the end-time; of that there is no doubt. One practice that is laid out clearly in the verses above is prayer. Prayer is not so much about getting what you want every time, but it is about getting the will of God into reality every time. You are not just asking God for what you want, which is good, but you are really focused on the will of God being established on the earth where you are. The man who prays is given insights into the things that are not revealed to other people, and he can pray directed and targeted prayers in line with God's purpose and plan for the human race.
Am I just focused only what makes me very comfortable, or am I willing to step out in faith, sure and certain that God has my back? Another practice that the verses above lay out is love. I call it practice here because it has to be evident through the things I do, but it is based on the answer to the question of identity that was asked above. There is a love that only those who are dressed in the garment of salvation can produce. There is an outflow that rightly matches the inflow of the love of God in a man's heart. There is a reason why love is placed above all, not because others are not important, but because it is the person and expression of Jesus Himself. You can be extremely gifted and able to spend time in prayer, but if you are unable to epxrees the version of love that Jesus is, everything else you do could be a wasted venture. Love sees the best in other people; love holds no grudges, and is able and willing to forgive hurts. Sin loses its power when love is in full expression. Are you dressed right? Does your life flow out with the right substance? God's time of favour is here.
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