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Parents face some of the same pressures that suffering Christians did in Peter's era. There was the fear of what might happen next (4:1). There was the nagging guilt of past mistakes (4:3). And there was the constant pressure of work that needed to be done (4:9-11). Peter's counsel to suffering Christians is also practical for today's busy parents. He points them to basics: prayer and love.

"The end of all things is at hand," said Peter (4:7). He probably meant Christ's return and the end of this world. But parents can benefit from the reminder that childhood also comes to an end—although anyone with a two year old will have trouble believing this! But soon enough, that important, yet limited, year of life ends. Remembering Peter's words will help you put your parenting efforts in perspective. And while you are in the endurance phase, "be serious and watchful in your prayers" (4:7).

What doesn't end, if you do it right, is marriage. Peter instructed his readers to endure suffering by loving each other. Parents, too, need to focus on each other. So take time to keep on developing your love. Long after the children have graduated to adulthood, you'll still be looking at the same spouse across the kitchen table. (See also Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Job 38:1-40.)

The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:7-8

How can you set aside time and energy just for your spouse?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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