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by Kevin Pauley
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same resolve--because the One who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin-- in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will. For there has already been enough time spent in doing the will of the pagans: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. In regard to this, they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation--and they slander you. They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. - 1 Peter 4:1-5 HCSB
A young man’s birthday was approaching and his father planned a great celebration. The son had become a man and would soon be leaving his father’s house to go his own way in the world.
The father brought him a beautifully wrapped box and said, “My son, in this box you will find the most precious thing in the world. Guard it with your life and use it wisely.”
When the son opened the gift, he found a wristwatch. The father was telling him that time was the most precious commodity he had.
There is no such thing as “down time” for the Ransomed. Even our rest periods should be characterized by our desire to carefully guard our minds.[1] Paul taught that we should be careful to treat non-believers wisely, making the most of the time God has allotted to us.[2] Whether at work or at play, the wise use of time should be first and foremost in our minds.
We only have a certain amount of time to repent of our sins.[3] If we stubbornly persist, like Pharaoh, we may find our hearts hardened for us.[4] Like the Corinthians who kept partaking of Communion in a sinful manner, even Christians may cross that line and end up sick or dead![5] That God would have the same level of expectations (or even higher) for His children as for those still in the world should not be a shocking concept. Didn’t He keep raising the bar in the Sermon on the Mount?[6] Didn’t He categorically state that judgment had to begin in His own household?[7]
The time of Christ’s return is near! Blessed is the one who demonstrates his love of the Master by not only reading the Word but actually keeping it! Such a person will find d’vekut (a deep, passionate and abiding relationship with God) to be a reality in his life.[8]
So let’s build ourselves up in the faith. Let’s pray in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God and expecting mercy from our Lord. Let’s grant mercy to the doubters, snatching them from the darkness while avoiding their sins.[9] Let’s humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand moment by moment so that He may exalt us in due time.[10]
[4] at first Exodus 7:13,22; 8:15,19, 32; 9:7 but then compare 9:12; 10:1,20:27
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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