1 Peter 4:7-11. Writing to Christians in persecution, Peter says "The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers." He tells them to hold fast to unfailing love for each other" since love conquers a multitude of sins," and to practice hospitality ungrudgingly. He says as each has received a gift, he is to use it in service of others. So that one who speaks should speak as an oracle of God, one who renders service should render it as supplied by the strength of God, thus will they be good stewards of God's varied grace, "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" to whom all glory and dominion belong forever.

In the early Church there was so much persecution, no wonder they all thought that Jesus would be coming again very soon! Peter here consoles the persecuted Christians by telling them the end of all things is at hand, they just have to hold on a bit longer and persevere in the faith. Now, two thousand years later, many are saying the same thing. Like Peter's consolation, this can help Christians in getting through the evil all around us and can keep us fortified by daily reminding us why we are in this fight. I think it is a good way to live! Not that we should be yearning for the end, nor have a morbid fascination with end times, but just a constant acknowledgment that all of this could end tomorrow, and we will then face our just Judge. How did I act while in the midst of persecution? Did I continue to love my neighbor? Or did I succumb to the fear, take refuge in alcohol and other distractions, and treat my neighbor as if it was "every man for himself"?

Look at how the Church grew and spread when the early Christians acted like true Christians even in the face of great persecution! The way for us to help Christ rebuild his Church in our modern world is to do the same.