Devotion: 1 Peter 4:5

1 Peter 4:5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 

The book of 1 Peter is written with an overall theme in mind – enduring suffering and hostility. Peter wrote to encourage believers, reminding them that the hardships they faced had a purpose and it was refining their faith. Verse 5 from the fourth chapter tells us that there would be accountability from Him Who is ready to judge both the living and the dead. Jesus alone is worthy to judge both.

Before we became believers, we probably weren’t living the best lives. Otherwise we wouldn’t have needed Christ. Many people were living worldly, destructive lives that included drunkenness, sexual immorality, and other bad behaviors and indulgences. Upon accepting Christ and changing our lifestyles, our old friends and acquaintances found it strange that we no longer wanted to be partakers in the wild behaviors we once loved. And seeing such a drastic change, most people make fun of or even persecute the new believers and their faith.

Knowing this and possibly experiencing it yourself, you can probably understand the persecution the early church was facing. But their persecution was far more intense than any we might experience. Peter wrote to believers who were caught up in this horrible persecution and he encouraged them in their walk, reminding them that their experiences were refining their faith. He urged them to abandon their old, sinful ways, and to trust in God to bring justice for what they were experiencing.

We can be encouraged knowing that everyone will have to give an account to Him. They will be accountable for both the good and bad things they did in their lives.

And as believers we should keep in mind a few things that we should be doing to continue building our own faith, not acting negatively toward others. We need to stay alert and keep our mind focused on prayer and Godly living. We need to love one another, covering over a multitude of sins. And we need to be faithful in serving others. God has blessed each of us with a gift and special talents that can be used to serve others. Our actions should be used to bring Him glory and to glorify His Name.

Remember, He is ready and waiting to judge. He is worthy to judge and each of us will stand before Him and have a full account of our life made known to all. Will yours be a positive review or one of negativity and worldly behaviors? I would suggest examining your heart and getting right with God before we have to give an account for the sins in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for being ready to judge both the living and the dead. This reminds me to do my part to live a life worthy of You rather than one focused on me. Amen 

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