Life’s Journey

I Peter 1:13-21

Probably every parent has heard the old refrain, “Are we there yet?” on a trip. Children have a very limited understanding of time or distance. Unfortunately, adults are just big kids. Their limits are a little bigger, but still limited to how long they have lived. An undisciplined child can become very cranky about the time taken to arrive at a destination, complaining that “we’ll never get there. Christians can become cranky about delays in receiving what they expect, deciding that God will never keep his promise. Peter advises that Christians take control of their minds, staying focused on what is expected, but recognizing that there aren’t any shortcuts to getting it.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” (I Peter 1:13)

For a group pf undisciplined kids, even a short trip becomes an exercise in frustration. There is constant anger, whining and complaining. They fight with their parents, their siblings, and anyone else in the vehicle. Parents are frequently called on to stop fights and become frustrated as well. Children that learned to control themselves, and do as they are told are far less upset by the trip, causing themselves far less discomfort and frustration.

Like the child who learns to discipline himself, the Christian who maintains control over his attitude and actions finds far fewer struggles in his daily life. He causes himself far less conflicts with other people and is receives less chastisement from God. His attitude is far more mature and God like than that of the rebellious and undisciplined. Peter advises us to sit back and enjoy the trip.

“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:14-16)

The Christian life is a journey, and we can make it far more miserable for ourselves than it needs to be. By learning to not concentrate on our immediate pleasure and comfort, we can make the Christian life more enjoyable for ourselves, and less offensive to those around us.

The undisciplined child always thinks he is being taken advantage of, never considering the others are experiencing the same discomforts and delays. He demands that he receive special treatment. Parents often cannot meet those demands, but if they can it may require being unfair to others. Any special privileges from God will have to be earned. Instead of concentrating on what we desire, we need to look at what we have.

The cranky child needs to understand he could have been left behind, or forced to ride in the luggage compartment. He could have had to walk because there was no car. Our salvation, while free to us, cost God a tremendous amount. Jesus Christ gave his own life for you to obtain salvation. What right do you have to complain?

“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” (I Peter 1:17-21)

Are you making your own life miserable by refusing to heed Gods advice? Are you making life miserable for those around you? You can change your attitude.