The End of the Beginning

1 Peter 4:7

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in
your prayers.
(1 Peter 4:7)

During World War II, Winston Churchill encouraged and supported the people of Britain through endless dark hours. He made many memorable statements and speeches, but one rings particularly apt here. He was speaking to Parliament just after London had been bombed to smithereens, and he sensed the people were losing heart. It seemed as though Churchill never did. He must have had low moments, but his speeches don’t reveal it. So he said to those people in Parliament, who were probably quaking in their spirits, “This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

Jesus said the same sort of thing to His disciples, telling them, in essence, “When you see these things occurring, it isn’t the end.”

And you will be hearing of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not
alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. (Matthew 24:6 NASB)

If you live in the light of Christ’s return each day of your life, it does wonders for your perspective. If you realize that you must give account for every idle word and action when you stand before the Lord Jesus, it does amazing things to your conduct. It also makes you recognize how many needless activities we get involved in on this earth. Sort of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Don’t bother! Don’t get lost in insignificant details! He’s coming soon! Recognize the urgency and the simplicity of the hour!

Peter seems to have gotten the message. He was a practical man. Prior to following Christ, his life consisted of very tangible, practical things: boats, nets, fish, supporting a family, hard work. And then he met the hard realities of the Master. Consequently, we should not be surprised that his personality and his prose followed suit.

Being neither scholarly nor sophisticated, Peter had little interest in theoretical discussions. Life was not meant to be talked about but lived out. If an urgent situation demanded action, Peter wasn’t one to call for a committee to study the alternatives. He cut through the bureaucratic red tape and got down to business.