Conduct for End Times
Within most cultures is a strata of citizens known as Christians. Within this body there is hope regarding the end of the ages. Strongly held within this group there is the belief the Messiah is coming as a prelude to the end of the ages. Against that background of thoughts the question is asked are current events in the Israeli/Hamas War a sign of the end times? This writing is offered with the hope it will introduce those who are not Christians to the Christian perspective and that Christians should be encouraged by it.
I am not a date fixer. No person knows the time.
I believe in the imminent, not the immediate, return of Jesus Christ. Imminent means near at hand; impending. It may be immediate or may not be, but that it is fast approaching.
Rather than get involved in complex signs I want to share what should be our personal conduct in order to be ready personally in the event the greatly hoped for return is immediate. These thoughts are found in the Bible book of I Peter chapter 4.
“The end of all things is at hand; be you therefore sober…” The Greek word for sober means to have self-disciplined, sober thought. As used it is not restricted to alcohol. If a person feels civilization is on the cusp of the abyss they should be living their best, self-controlled.
Second, “The end of all things is at hand… Watch unto prayer.” This is instruction to be vigilant in prayer looking for occasions to pray. This is advantageous for our war-weary and peace-deprived society.
Third, “The end of all things is at hand… Have fervent love.” People hunger for love. Those who do love are fulfilled and rewarded in the very act. Earlier in the book of I Peter are explicit instructions for Christians to love one another. Later there is an instruction to love all others. As Christians we should not parade the faults and sins of one another. We should extol one anothers virtues and encourage their devotion to the Lord.
Fourth, “The end of all things is at hand… Use hospitality one toward another, without grudging.” Forced hospitality is not fulfilling. We are to use our God given talents and give of our discretionary resources to aid worthy causes and meritorious individuals.
Fifth, “The end of all things is at hand… If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God.” The Apostles are an example of doing this. When they were beaten for their faith they went away considering it a joy that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Lord.
The world might think it strange that believers do not agree with their profligate actions and as a result belittle the faithful, even cut them off. Among world gloom, persecution has become the unwanted experience of many, even causing some to lose their lives.
Sixth, “The end of all things is at hand… Judgment must begin at the house of God.” This is because Christians, the church that is, is intended to be an example to the world. It should be self-purging.
Seventh, “The end of all things is at hand… Commit the keeping of (your) souls to the Lord.” These are days when we must encourage ourselves in the joy of the Lord. These steps encourage it.