The Rest of Your Time
Today’s Verse:
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ~1 Peter 4:1-2
On a past mission’s trip to New Zealand, many of the new friends we made in this great country would ask, “where have we been?” and “where will you spend the rest of your time?” This is what Peter was asking the believers he was writing to. How will you live the rest of your time?
There is the sinful excess.
The time past in which we lived was one of waste, wickedness, and waywardness. We lived in sin. We lived in selfishness. We lived like the rest of our world. We lived for pleasure, selfish gain, and many times foolish decisions. In some cases, some lived to the far extreme indulging themselves in wickedness. On the other extreme, some lived conservatively but still with selfish intentions. Our past is not one we can look back on as being delightful. It was one void of God and on the way to hell. Are we still living in the past? Do we have a hard time letting go of the past?
There is the sacrificial example.
Christ suffered for us in the flesh. He was the just dying for the unjust that he might bring us to God. Jesus came to earth for the purpose of dying for sinners. Jesus suffered for us. He bare our sins in his own body on the tree. He died for us that we might live unto God. You have not begun to live until you start living for God! When we live for God, we have a purpose for our life. When we live for God we are doing His will. When we live for God we are seeking his kingdom and righteousness as our utmost priority. When we live for His glory, we have a superior motivation. When we live for God we are making a difference in the lives of other people. Do you see the sufferings of Christ as your motivation to live for Him? Do you see the sufferings as your reason to tell others about Jesus?
There is the substantial expectation.
We should no longer live the rest of our time to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. He that doeth the will of God abideth forever. It is in the will of God that a life separated to God puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men. It is God’s will that we suffer for well doing than for evil doing. It is the will of God, even our sanctification, that we abstain from fornication. It is the will of God that we give thanks in everything. God’s will is God’s best for us. Stop living in the past. Stop living in defeat. Stop living in bitterness. Live the rest of your time to the will of God!
How will you spend the remaining years, months, and days of your life? Ask God to teach you to number your days that you might apply your heart to wisdom. Live each day as if it is your last day! Live the rest of your time for that which will count in eternity.
Have a purposeful God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 18-19