If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11
The words of God, spoken from lives that bring praise to God! That is Peter’s challenge to the church – to us.
The more I read Peter’s letter, the more I am convinced that this is not just a message for Christians 2000 years ago – but for us. Now. Our purpose in life is not about us, our egos and our success, but God.
The “if”, in “if any one serves”, should, in practical terms be translated “when”. “When anyone serves …” The Christian life cannot be lived without service. It is the mark of Christ and by direct inference, therefore, the mark of the Christian.
Why do I suggest Peter is writing to us? Apart from the fact that God’s word is timeless, it also strikes at the very heart of our self centred, self satisfied and complacent culture. The culture that we blend into so seamlessly. I get the impression that Christians often see this life in Christ as a burden. The tone of Peter’s letter, however, is one of passionate joy. He is passionate because he knows that following the example of Christ is the Christian’s protection against the onslaught of the world.
In stark terms, Peters commands us to fulfil our calling – that is, to imitate Christ.
Travels from Ur 