A Strategy for Fearful Times

March 13, 2020

Scripture Resource Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-11

            Joanna chose a wise strategy in the ongoing project of clarifying her business’ purpose and focus. The statement affirms: “The Non-profit Assistance Center supports community groups who provide for individuals with special needs in Northwest Indiana.” 

            Crafting a purpose statement for your life’s business significantly impacts both short and long term goals. The Apostle Peter provides what might be a disciple’s vision statement in today’s passage (I Peter 4:7-11). This is wisdom is for all disciples.  Peter writes, “The end of all things is near.” Living each day with the end of all things in mind (with due attention at the time of this writing, to an apparent world-wide virulent virus) can help disciples. 

            While attending a business seminar in Chicago Joanna was encouraged. The speaker quoted management superstar Peter Drucker. The speaker dramatically emphasized Drucker’s insight. “The effective mission statement is short and sharply focused. It should fit on a T-shirt. It [the mission statement] must be clear, and it must inspire.” 

            Joanna recently explained, “We’re not to the level of a T-shirt quote but we’re headed in the right direction.”

            God’s intention through Peter in speaking about the end of all things helped the early disciples in forming their daily lives. Peter added specific emphases to his vision statement providing solid life-applications. 

1. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 
2. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 
3. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  
4. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 
5. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 
6. 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.

            While Joanna’s business is fictitious the Apostle Peter is an authoritative emissary of God. If we believe God chooses to return the Christ tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock, our lives might be lived differently. If we believe the end is at hand, we might give more love to others as Christ teaches us. As you well know, the words of Jesus and his apostolic writers instruct us to love others with great intensity (Matthew 22:36-40).

Life Application Chose one emphasis a day. Then form that day’s life around the theme. Be sure to use your first-day Sabbath as a time of reflection.