Often from experience we can lose our focus on something, because what we expected seems to never happen, or what we anticipated has taken longer than we thought.  The constant struggle to want control over things to go the way we expect, when we expect, can really cause us to lose focus and eventual hope towards what we pray for…

The apostle Peter was desiring that the brothers and sisters he was encouraging didn’t lose perspective on who they were as Christians, but also not lose focus on “the times” they were in.  He knew that if they considered “the times”, than that would mean that their perspective on life would be geared towards God’s Kingdom, and not the world’s mentality and desires.

Peter is helping them to understand that their persecution was predicted because it is “the end times”.  That the closer it comes to Christ return, the more tribulations we will have.  So it is not the time to lose focus on what we hope for as Christians, who live to glorify God. (Matthew 24:3-14)

The Bible warns us of becoming “lax” in living for Christ return, and being idle in our heart and actions towards living for the Kingdom of God.  Being self-controlled and sober-minded means to not be carried away by something, that can alter the way you see your life as a Christian.  In other words, being “drunk” by the perspectives of the world and our own desires.  Because we will soon stop praying and trusting God, for His will and purpose to be done in our lives and around the world. We will eventually look to settle for the same desires of those who don’t anticipate Christ return, or live for His Kingdom.

In His Love, Ld