“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 4:7-11
Addressing the believers who are experiencing social ostracization and character alignment by the majority culture, the Apostle Peter speaks of attitudes we embrace to live out our faith before the watching world.
"Positive World (Pre-1994): Society at large retains a mostly positive view of Christianity. To be known as a good, churchgoing man remains part of being an upstanding citizen. Publicly being a Christian is a status-enhancer. Christian moral norms are the basic moral norms of society and violating them can bring negative consequences.
Neutral World (1994-2014): Society takes a neutral stance toward Christianity. Christianity no longer has privileged status but is not disfavored. Being publicly known as a Christian has neither a positive nor a negative impact on one’s social status. Christianity is a valid option within a pluralistic public square. Christian moral norms retain some residual effect.
Negative World (2014-present): Society has come to a negative view of Christianity. Being known as a Christian is a social negative, particularly in the elite domains of society. Christian morality is expressly repudiated and seen as a threat to the public good and the new public moral order. Subscribing to Christian moral views or violating the secular moral order brings negative consequences." Aaron Renn, First Things
HOW TO BUILD A RUNWAY FOR SERVANT LIVING:
1. Understanding that history is the unfolding of the Father's eternal plan, not a random cacophony of nothingness (v. 4:7).
"As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity, so will he have the day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come, and may ever be prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus; come quickly. Amen." 1689 London Confession of Faith: Chapter 32, Article 3
A corollary: therefore there is an eternity of hope and joy versus the void of despair or nothingness.
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'” Revelation 21:3-4
2. In light of the history as the unfolding of the Father's plan, we are to be self-controlled (not letting our thoughts go in every direction without any discipline) and sober-minded (keep your senses so that you can be wide awake for the purpose of prayer/ worship/thinking well).
NCC Q38: What is prayer?
A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” Abraham Kuyper
“Our leisure, even our play is a matter of serious concern. There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” C.S. Lewis, Christian Reflections
3. Prayer/worship/thinking well aligns me with the purposes of God.
Daily life is the choice to walk on the well-worn paths that God has laid before his people.
"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Proverbs 4:18
Connection Pathways:
• Engage in a worship service weekly.
• Connect in a group consistently.
• Serve on a team (at least) monthly.
• Take a class routinely.
4. Above all, we are to love one another.
To cover the sins of others does not mean to overlook it, but it does mean to not publicly shame them or call attention to them. We are responsible to be involved in the lives of one another in such a way that we can speak truth to one another (Matthew 7:1-4, Galatians 6:1-2, Hebrews 3:12-13). Therefore, under the cover of patience and confidentiality, we are to quietly and actively deal with one another in a fashion that's honoring to the Lord and points to the reality of Christ.