Choosing God’s Will over Comfort (1 Peter 4)

Evening Scripture

1 Peter, Chapter 4

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so 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.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Evening Reflection

Everyday life presents us with myriads of choices. Some of these choices may seem easy to make. What will I wear today? What will I have for breakfast? Which item will I tackle first from my to-do list? These choices can be easy to make because, ultimately, they have little impact on the grand arc of our lives. After all, if I have scrambled eggs in the morning instead of pancakes, my day doesn’t change all that much.

But then there are the choices that come upon us that have an impact on the deep things of life; they pertain to the very way that we live our lives, and our faith. Will we search after the things of God? Or will we chase after our own delights and comforts?

The world around us likes to tell us that comfort is king – and that the things we find pleasing, no matter what they are, are worthy of pursuit. But Scripture reminds us of the destructiveness of such living. 1 Peter 4 speaks about orgies, drunkenness, debauchery, and lust. Now, we may not find those things as prevalent in our lives, but underneath these things is a life that pursues personal pleasure and comfort beyond all else. And that is not how we are to live as followers of Jesus.

As disciples, we are to choose to direct our life toward God’s will and purpose for our lives. We are to live in a way that is attentive to his life, and responsive to the Spirit’s movement. We are to live as Christ himself lived, in obedience to the God the Father.

As you move toward the end of the day, take stock of the day past and ask yourself these questions: Where did I embrace God’s will today? Where did I miss God’s will today? Where could I have embraced God’s will more?

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I thank you that you love me so much that you have a will and a purpose for my life. Your desires for me prove how special I am in your sight, and how deeply you wish me to live in the grace of your Kingdom.

O God, give me a heart of discernment. Help me to choose the right way, the holy path. Give me ears to hear your voice as you direct my life, in ministry, in service, and in praise. What is more, in those times when I choose comfort instead of conformity to your will, O Lord show me mercy.

This I pray in Jesus Christ’s name.

Amen.

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