One day when I worked in college athletics, our head coach called and said he would be extending a scouting trip, and he would not return that day as planned. Later that day, an assistant coach asked me when the head coach was returning. When he found out it would be the next day, his demeanor visibly changed. He walked out and did not do much work for the rest of the day. He determined how he spent his time based on whether the leader was present or not.
As followers of Jesus, we serve a leader who is present in Spirit and has promised to return. Knowing that Christ is coming back should motivate us to make the most of each day. We are called to live with urgency, spending each day as if it is the last. This requires self-control, not acting on momentary emotion but based on godly wisdom. In the context of the local church, 1 Peter 4:7-11 and 5:1-5 gives clear instruction on how to make today count.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4:7-11
- Making today count will involve one another
Above all, we must love one another and seek to live in unity and harmony. A major way to love others is to be hospitable and open your home to them. This was very important in the early church and should be for us today. We must also serve others with the unique spiritual gifts that God gives us. These gifts are responsibilities to be used obediently, not privileges for our own pleasure or convenience.
2. Making today count will lead to God’s glory
Peter gives two categories of spiritual gifts: speaking and serving. When using speaking gifts, we do not give our own ideas, but we speak the wisdom and truth that God has revealed in His word. For serving gifts, we rely on God’s strength to love others with pure hearts. When we use these gifts correctly, God receives all the glory.
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:1-5
3. Making today count requires help
God positions elders and pastors in the church to oversee and guide believers. The church belongs to God, but overseers have the privilege of being leaders in the faith. They are responsible for teaching the gospel well and strengthening others, not for their own gain but for God’s glory.
4. Making today count requires humility
Humility means being concerned with others above yourself, and it is required for all believers. Pastors and elders can only lead well by understanding that their role is a gift and responsibility from God. Those under their authority submit to leaders, willingly obeying the authority from God.
We do not know when Christ will return, but we know He will soon. Let’s be prepared for His arrival by doing what He has called us to and making each day count.