Living Hope Day 14

Living Hope Day 14 Reading:

1 Peter 4:7-11

Ponder

I am a list-maker. On any given day, I probably have a to-do list going, even if it’s just a mental checklist of things to do before I go to bed. As someone who gets a sense of accomplishment from checking something off that list, I can easily apply that “checklist” mentality to my faith. Do this, don’t do that, focus on this, spend your time on that. 

But when I do that, I’m coming perilously close to living like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day—and we all know how he felt about the Pharisees. 

What I’ve learned about following Christ so far is that it’s less like a checklist and more like walking through life beside someone you trust. Someone who is wise, kind and generous, always ready to guide and direct you, but not outlining a list of rules. Would it be easier if holiness was a black-and-white list of do’s and don’ts? Yes, but that wouldn’t be faith. 

As Peter neared the end of his letter, he wanted believers to recognize that the time they had on this earth was finite. That’s the same today as it was to Peter’s original audience thousands of years ago. Peter’s exhortation was that believers walk in the ways of Jesus, living with purpose and passion, so that the time we’ve been given shines through the darkness with hope and holiness. 

Rather than a list of do’s and don’ts, Peter described the qualities and characteristics that should define our lives:

• Habitual prayer: Prayer should be a way of life rather than a life preserver we cling to in times of trouble or stress. 

• Love: Christians should be characterized by a deep, abiding love for one another that allows us to forgive those who sin against us. 

• Hospitality: We should be a haven and a safe place to land for those in need. 

• Service: Every believer has been given spiritual gifts, and we are to use them in service to the church. Whether you’ve been gifted in teaching or administration, use the gifts God has blessed you with to the fullest extent to bring glory to him and build his church. 

The goal of it all, then, isn’t doing the right things as a way to earn God’s favor, but to live life to the fullest, with our hearts and minds focused on his glory. 

Journal

• Do you ever approach your faith with a checklist mentality? If so, why do you think you do that? 

• It’s a little shocking to read the words, “Your time on this earth is limited.” How does understanding this truth affect, challenge or change the way you’re living your life right now? 

• Look over the list of characteristics Peter outlined in today’s passage. How do you see him developing these in your life? 

• Who in your life is an example of these characteristics or qualities? How can you learn from their example? 

• Is bringing glory to God something you think about on a regular basis? What steps can you take to make it more of a focus or desire of your heart?