20 February 1 Peter 4

A wasted life?

1 Peter 4:1-3(VOICE) Since the Anointed suffered in the flesh, prepare yourselves to do the same—anyone who has suffered in the flesh for the Lord is no longer in the grip of sin— so that you may live the rest of your life on earth controlled not by earthly desires but by the will of God. You have already wasted enough time living like those outsiders in the society around you: losing yourselves in sex, in addictions and desires, in drinking and lawless idolatry, in giving your time and allegiance to things that are not godly.

The Scriptures distinctly articulate that living a life under God's guidance and following His will, grants it purpose. In contrast, a life distant from God, signifies wasted moments. A life led by God's hand never goes in vain. Romans 8:5(VOICE) If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh. But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit.

1 Peter 4:2 in the New Life Version says: You should no longer spend the rest of your life giving in to the sinful desires of the flesh. But do what God wants as long as you live in this world.

I want to recall the words of Jimmy Swaggart in his song, Wasted years: “Have you lived without love, a life of tears? Have you searched for life's hidden meaning, Or is your life filled with long and wasted years? Wasted years, wasted years, oh how foolish, As you walk on in darkness and in fears; Turn around, turn around, God is calling, He's calling you from a life of wasted years. There is someone who knows and always hears; Give it up! Give it up! The load you're bearing! You can't go on in a life of wasted years. Wasted years, wasted years, oh how foolish, As you walk on in darkness and in fears; Turn around, turn around, God is calling, He's calling you from a life of wasted years.”

In our origin, we were tethered to earthly desires, our thoughts enmeshed in worldly pursuits. Only through spiritual rebirth, we are transformed from a life centred on the flesh, to one focused on the Spirit.

It's imperative for each of us to introspect: Do you find yourself rooted in the flesh or uplifted by the Spirit? Do you align more with the worldly, or the will of God? Are you adrift, or have you found salvation? Everyone should reflect on their spiritual state and ascertain whether they have truly been reborn in the Spirit.

Paul delineates a clear divide, and we all find ourselves on one side or the other. To attain harmony with God, to stand free of judgment, we must reside in Christ. This sanctuary in Christ is attainable solely through rebirth, by placing unwavering faith in Lord Jesus Christ. Upon such belief, you transcend your prior existence and are reborn into a new domain - the realm of the Divine Spirit.

I conclude with: Living a life focused on God is living a purposeful life, a life without God, is a wasteful life. Decide today to focus on the will of God, live a purposeful life.