Even as we live in the spirit and not in the flesh, there is a sense of urgency: because the end of all things is at hand. We must look beyond life on this earth. One of our temptations is that we live as if things are going to continue the way they are. If we do not have this sense of urgency, we will become lazy and irresponsible with our time. We will also become careless about how much time we have on this earth. Martin Luther was asked what would he do if he knew that Christ is coming tomorrow. His reply was that he would plant an apple tree. The lesson here is that he has been living his whole life with this expectation that Christ is coming soon. If we realize that the end of all things in at hand, how then can we live our life with eternity values in view?

1. We must be sober and watch unto prayer (1 Peter 4:7)

To be ‘sober’ is to be awake and to be in the right frame of mind. Being sober is a contrast to being drunk. We can be ‘drunk’ in this life when we cruise through life unconscious of what we are doing and have no purpose and direction. On the other hand, to be sober is to have a sense of self-control and to be under the influence of the Spirit’s leading and guiding. We also ought to “watch unto prayer”, which is to exercise this soberness that we have when we live under the Spirit’s influence by seeking God for guidance and direction.

2. We must be loving (1 Peter 4: 8 – 9)

When we are sober and watch unto prayer, there will be very few things that we would mind. For we will then have charity that enables us to forgive sins committed against us. We must have a heart that is fervent in loving one another. To “use hospitality” is to show forth friendliness and brotherly love to a stranger or a foreigner. Are we welcoming to newcomers to our church? Are we loving and friendly to strangers? This was especially important in Peter's time as many Christians had their homes taken away due to persecution.

3. We must be serving (1 Peter 4:10)

Seeing that time is so short, we must serve the Lord. All believers will be given spiritual gifts. We ought to use the spiritual gifts that God gave to us to serve Him. Have you been using your life to labour for the Lord?

The end of all things is at hand; let us live for the glory of God and serve for the glory of God.