Summer Fruit Devotion: Self-Control Day 4

Enough is Enough

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:1-11

Pastor David Guzik writes, “Peter realized we have all spent enough time living like the world. Now we are called to live like Christians. It is a profound and foolish waste of time for Christians to live like the world, and we must simply stop being double-minded and start living as Christians. Sadly, many Christians (in their heart of hearts) think that they have not spent enough time doing the will of the ungodly. They want to experience more of the world before they make a full commitment to godliness. This is a tragic mistake and takes a path that leads away from eternal life.” Sadly, when I was a young Christian I did exactly that. I was afraid that what God had for me wasn’t as good as what the world could offer. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my sinful pleasures even though Christ sacrificed his whole life for me. Friends, we don’t have to learn every lesson “the hard way.” Peter gives us the cure for worldliness. Self-control and sober-mindedness that lead us to pray, love, and serve. Prayer isn’t our last resort, it is our first line of defense against the darkness all around us and the darkness we still harbor in our hearts. The end is near, and God gives us the strength to live for him so that he gets all the glory.

Journal time. What have you had enough of?

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, every gift you give us is so good. We are grateful that when we pray you hear us. We cry to you for mercy where we have participated with the world. Forgive us for thinking we need what the world has to offer. Help us to see Christ as more beautiful than any temporary earthly pleasures. Holy Spirit, help us to remember that the end is near. Let us spend our time wisely, in prayer, love, hospitality and service, rather than foolishly pursuing the trinkets and trash of the world. We really have had enough of the world. Please fill us up with more and more of you. To you belong all glory and dominion forever and ever. In the all sufficient name of Jesus we pray, Amen.