“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7 ESV).
Despite the discomforting nature of the phrase, “The end of all things is at hand,” the following author confronts us with a reality that deserves careful consideration…
“The simple fact is that behind this there is one inescapable and most personal truth. For every one of us the time is near. The one thing which can be said of every man is that he will die. For every one of us the Lord is at hand. We cannot tell the day and the hour when we shall go to meet him; and, therefore, all life is lived in the shadow of eternity.
‘The end of all things is near,’ said Peter. The early thinkers may have been wrong if they thought that the end of the world was round the corner, but they have left us with the warning that for every one of us personally the end is near; and that warning is as valid today as ever it was.” (1)
In addition to what we read here in 1 Peter 4:7, the New Testament Scriptures reiterate this concept in several additional passages. This portion of Scripture should thus guide the investments we make with our time, our financial assets, our business transactions, and other resources.
This counsel stands in stark contrast to the behavioral characteristics that appeared earlier in 1 Peter 4:3. It also recalls the Apostle Peter’s admonition from chapter one of this epistle: “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV).
As mentioned earlier, that reference to “being sober-minded” encompasses more than just freedom from intoxication. It also incorporates other important elements such as discipline, vigilance, and discretion. These definitions should prompt us to be disciplined in our thinking and alert to anything that might cause us to stumble. In a world where “fails” of various types are recorded for the amusement of an audience, we would be wise to to think twice before we disregard this guidance.
This does not mean we cannot have fun, enjoy pleasurable activities, or take calculated risks. As we’re told in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). However, it’s important to recognize the finite nature of our physical lives. That underlying awareness should encourage us to remain “self-controlled and sober-minded.”
(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Approaching End (1Pe_4:7 a).”