October 17 | 1 Peter 4:7
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Keeping the Peace
By Todd Marti
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV, other translations here).
What was Peter telling his readers? Is that advice still relevant today? How do we do those things?
What. The NIV’s translation of the Greek words it renders as “alert” and “sober minded” is not great. The underlying Greek words primarily referred to controlling one’s emotions. That makes sense; Peter was writing to folks who were subject to circumstances that could trigger strong emotional responses. They were alienated from their native communities because they followed Jesus, and were subject to persecution because they rejected the Roman mandate to worship the emperor as a god. 1 Peter 1:1; Book of 1 Peter Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Bible Project); Roman Religion - The Imperial Cult Explained (The SPQR Historian). Peter’s advice is consistent with Saint Paul’s advice to folks in similar circumstances. Paul told them to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6.
Continuing relevance. American Christians are not subject anything close to the level of adversity facing Peter’s readers, but we are nonetheless subject to things that can trigger strong emotional responses. The unsettled state of our nation and the world generally can inspire great concern. That can be amplified by social media. The interpersonal conflicts stirred by those things can be upsetting. Those things can distract us from prayer, so yes, Peter’s advice is relevant to us.
That is not changed by the fact that Peter was writing because he thought that the “end of all things is near.” 1 Peter 4:7. That is true for at least two reasons.
First, it is entirely possible that Jesus will return in the very near future. We simply don’t know. We need to be prepared for that momentous event whenever it occurs and the things Peter instructs here will help us prepare whether it happens today, tomorrow, years, decades, centuries, or millennia from now. These things have such great value that they should be pursued independent of when we expect Jesus to return.
Second, it is certain that things will “end” for each of us at some time. Jesus will either return in our lifetimes, or our earthly lifetimes will end before that. We therefore need to be prepared for that “end,” however it comes, and the things Peter urges help us prepare. We would be foolish to disregard them.
How. Several things come to mind.
Initially, recognize and avoid things that prompt disruptive emotional responses. These are what our Catholic friends refer to as “near occasions of sin,” circumstances or activities that tend to lead us to into unhealthy conduct. Jesus tells us to avoid those things. Matthew 5:30. For example, is it social media or doom scrolling? If so, avoid them. I can attest that that is easier said than done, but the benefits far exceed the effort involved.
Second, focus on what God has called you to do. He has called each and every one of us to do specific good works. Ephesians 2:10. Psalm 37:1-3 tells us that focusing on the good we can do is a powerful antidote to negative emotions. So focusing on those good works will help us get to where today’s reading tells us to go.
Finally, and most importantly, pray about what is stressing you. Scripture tells us that we obtain peace when we bring our anxieties to God. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV, emphasis added).
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, give us your peace. Lead us away from what disturbs that peace and to the things we can do to bring your healing love to the parts of the world we can influence. Draw us to bring the things that stress us to you and give us peace that surpasses our understanding. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the prince of peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TODD MARTI
I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.
Excellent devotion which I needed today not to stress and have peace. Thank you