The Last Time

 

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV).

 

WARNING: That sounds a bit ominous, but I hope you don’t skip over the following enjoinder. Today I am going to be writing some things that may cause you to think a bit deeper and more seriously about your mortality. I do not want to insinuate that this life is the “end.” It is not. For the child of God is merely the prelude to an eternity of life without limits and full of unimaginable joy. However, that does not lessen the truth that we do things that might be our “last time” often without thinking. So let’s think a bit deeper together today.

 

The picture I’ve attached today comes from the collection of photos Mary and I took on one of our trips to Cades Cove. We don’t often go early in the day, but other considerations this time put us there when the mist had not fully lifted in the cove. If you have been there you know this is at the beginning of the loop around the cove. Typically the stable horses are near the fence on the left and we almost always see a few wild turkeys making their way across the open field. Mary and I have been to this spot over a hundred times in the past. This year as I began to slowly drive through there were three horses near the fence. I decided to stop and get out taking a few photos. There’s really nothing special about such an experience, unless, of course, it is your last time to visit that place.

 

In many ways every moment in time is our last time. No matter how carefully we try to recreate a scene from the past, it is not the past. And, as soon as we begin the process, the present fades quickly into the past. Perhaps we ought to be more intentional about that truth. What if today is the last time you get to say or do something for someone else? What if today is the last time you will be able to go and do something, even if it is a relative routine experience? Earlier today I began my list of things to do. What if it is the last time I’ll get to do them?

 

It shouldn’t surprise us that the Apostle Peter thought of this in the close of his letter. Our reading says, The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (vv. 7-8). “Loving one another” and “showing hospitality” are keys to living a life without regret. I do know how difficult that can be at times. However, think of how much easier it becomes if you are able to visualize that it may be the last time you get to do it.

 

It is a maudlin thought in many ways, but it is true. None of us know when this moment may bring us to a point where we have no time left to say or do the things we can and should do. Let me leave you with two thoughts today as we finish this devotional. First, never end a conversation with someone you love without making sure they know how much they mean to you. You will never be in such a hurry that you cannot express your love to them. Second, apologize quickly, no matter who’s “at fault.” I might add the reminder that we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven. Let that sink in and become a part of your foundation for every relationship. Time is the only non-renewable resource we have. Don’t squander it in things that really won’t matter in eternity.