“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 A Multitude Of Sins. Offer Hospitality . . . Use Whatever Gift He Has Received To Serve Others . . . So That In All Things God May Be Glorified.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Those who want to succeed in life, set their priorities aright. It is worth noting in this passage some priorities listed for our practical application. The new year already finished one month so far! But it’s never too late to re-organise your priorities to make our life worth-living.
- Manage Time: Life is run on two main resources: time and money. Both are inter-related and we live because of these made available to us. Everyone in the world is aware that as the days pass by, we enter new years and the end is near! So, whatever time we have is limited. Let us be serious about this and plan our time and put a time table to all we do in this short life. Opportunities to do something good may not come again. We may not see again the good days that we enjoyed so much, so let us count time as precious and make every effort to utilize it wisely.
- Control Your Mind: To live life to the full, one has to have a clear mind to think, plan and do things he wants. People and circumstances can affect one’s state of mind but being self-controlled is important to achieve great things in life. As you submit yourself to obey God’s Word, His Holy Spirit leads and controls you, so you can bear the fruit of self-control to be a blessing to many.
- Pray Always: A prayerful life is a powerful life. Prayer connects one to the supernatural power available from God. Human ability is not enough to face and face the challenges of life. Prayer prepares us to live life in peace and victoriously. All of us have this common privilege to pray and approach the Almighty. Take time to pray and never give up on prayer. There is always hope and God answer prayers of His people.
- Love Really Deeply: Love need not be skin-deep or only limited to emotional feelings. Love can be expressed as deeply as possible. No one can say they loved enough or fully. We are always indebted to love others. There is a supreme unconditional love that covers others’ weaknesses and enables us to accept them just as they are. Deep love forgives others and seeks their good always. Especially commit yourself to love those to whom you are committed in life; your parents, your spouse, children, neighbours, colleagues and friends. Let love be real and sincere, expressed always in good actions and without hypocrisy.
- Use Your Potential To Serve Others: Each one is gifted with some useful potential. It is not how much we have but how are we using whatever we have in serving others. Decide to use your talents, gifts, resources and whatever is useful to bless others and for the benefit of others. In return your life will be enriched and blessed abundantly. As you sow, you will reap. As you give, so you gain. As you share, you will receive. We are called to account what has been given to us and how best we used them. Think about it.
- Do Everything For God’s Glory: Many ask what is life all about? God’s Word answers saying, life is all about enjoying God and bringing Him glory! The universe and all of us are created by Him and for the Creator’s glory. But as sin ruined man and made him a self-seeking rebel, Christ came into the world and died in sinners’ place, so those who accept His sacrifice could be saved. Redeemed people can bring glory to God who is the source of all blessings. Whether you eat, drink or do anything, do all for God’s glory, we are exhorted in 1 Corinthians 10:31. As you give due credit to God for all that happens in your life, you will be blessed and exalted. Your life will be enriched.
Let these be set as priorities in your life this year and you will see how your life will be different and will make a difference! Amen!
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