December 10, 2008 - - - 1 Peter 4 : 1-11

Living for God

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he 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.

Amen fo sho. I've had conversations with non-Christian friends that would inevitably lead to party, drinking, and girls. They assume I do all this stuff here at Purdue, since it is considered the epitome of 'cool' in college. But when they find out the only thing I do here is Starcraft and go to church, they think of me as strange.. aha.. very strange. But this is clear because God states it clearly that he despises such earthly sins. it is through His Son that I have been saved already and through that alone, I am compelled, through fear and reverence, to obey and remain in His light.

But it ain't that easy. We are like a marine and medic group being flanked by speedlings in this world. We are constantly surrounded by people who believe differently than we do. And here is the real challenge: we must remain clear-minded and have self-control and remember that we have each other to depend on if we really do fall out of place. Verse 8 says it all yo.

Amen.