Clear Thinking
There was a chain of convenience stores that were called 7-11 because they were open from 7 in the morning until 11 at night and they carried a broad range of household goods that people often needed outside of usual working hours.Today's passage is my 7-11 store because it gives me the things I need when my circumstances are outside of normality...
1 Peter 4 describes what I call a contraction. Jesus likened the "End Times" (which began at His ascension and will finish with His return) to a woman in labour. There will be contractions and relief, contractions and then relief, until the birth of the New Heaven and Earth at His coming.
Peter is writing to the church in Asia Minor. They're experiencing the start of a "contraction" and are feeling the reality of being the church in the "end times."
| 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 over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter4:7-11) |
Peter is showing them how to live in difficult times and starts off by calling them to be "clear-minded". This clear (or sober) mind is the starting place for everything. When our thoughts are orderly and on a clear foundation, then we live well (self-controlled) and we function well spiritually (we can pray).
This clear-mindedness helps us to love graciously and hospitably and helps us use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
But it starts with being clear-minded.
Think about when you've been the opposite of self-controlled.
Has it been when your mind has been cluttered, overloaded and stressed?
Has it been when you haven't been clear about God's love for you?
Or when you've majored on minors?
I found this very apt meme: "My mind is like my internet browser: 19 open tabs with three that are frozen and I have no clue where the music is coming from!" - If this is you - it's time to de-clutter.
Have you failed in the areas of love and service?
Has it been when your mind has been "possessed" by your possessions, your agenda, your to-do list and when you've convinced yourself that everything depends on you?
Being clear-minded means:
- I'm secure in the love and forgiveness of God.
- I'm thankful and not driven in my actions
- I understand the world doesn't revolve around me but I can serve.
- Things turn out best when I "Begin with the End in mind"
and the "End" is "that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Lent is a period of simplifying and quietening.
Take a moment to reflect... How clear-minded are you?
