If your doctor told you that you had only another month to live, your life would change dramatically. Things that felt critical yesterday might lose all importance. Other things you had been putting off might suddenly be your greatest priority. If you knew the end was near, it would surely result in some changes.
1 Peter 4:7 begins, “The end of all things is at hand…” We may not know when we’ll die or when Jesus will return, but we know the end is approaching. How should we live considering that truth? Peter provides us with the principles that can guide us as the end draws near.
First, we should be self-controlled. Much of the world delights in reckless abandon disguised as freedom. Sinners delight in casting off all inhibition. But Scripture calls us to be self-controlled. We should practice discipline and restraint. When the end comes, we want to be ready, and that will require self-control.