We live in challenging times.  You scroll through social media about a recent tragedy and read comments filled with anger and despair.  Confusion, conflict, and controversy surround us and information and opinions about it are pervasive.  You might be caught up in it all, weighed down - infuriated, or so turned off you're apathetic.  What’s the right response for a follower of Christ?  First Peter 4: 7-11 has great response:

“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.”

"The end of all things is at hand."  While we don't know when - how should we live?  Well, we should "be self-controlled and sober-minded" in our prayers.  Prayer involves worship, humility, obedience, submitting to God, and seeking His perspective . We should "keep loving one another earnestly. " The word "keep" is key.  While we may not always feel love, we must cause or enable love to continue. That intense love demonstrated to us by Christ - should mark our words and action.  We should "show hospitality to one another without grumbling."  Our words and actions should be hospitable - respectful even when they oppose another person's beliefs.  And we shouldn't complain… period.  We should serve others with the gifts and strength God has given us. So how should we respond to the world around us?

Now more than ever, consider others before ourselves and be marked by humility.
Now more than ever, act with honor and integrity.
Now more than ever, speak honestly and respectfully.
Now more than ever, seek truth.  Know and live God's Word.

Where will you start?  What must you stop?  What will you continue?

“In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”  (1 Peter 4:11)