Don’t Panic: The End Is Near
Jumping to conclusions is a risky game.
Making decisions or forming opinions without all the facts often leads to misunderstandings, errors, and unfair judgments (here’s what Jesus taught about judging others, persistent prayers, and the golden rule). It’s like trying to predict the end of a movie without watching the whole thing or guessing the end of a story without reading the whole book — you’re likely to get it wrong.
For centuries, people have predicted that the end of the world is just around the corner. The same corner where the infamous bogeyman seems to be hiding.
How do we know when we’re getting close, and what should we do if it is?
An endless news cycle of worry and fear.
It’s rare that I read the news of the day and feel inspired afterward. Some of that stems from the reality that unsettling things are happening in our world, but more often than not, it’s the result of a culture that profits from grabbing people’s attention. How do you do that? By spinning something as if it’s unprecedented and by stirring up outrage.
In an era where attention is the currency of choice and clicks translate to revenue, the news media feeds off people’s fears in a world of uncertainty, magnifying every hiccup into a crisis. They’ve mastered the art of turning molehills into mountains.
Is it the end of the world as we know it?
I remember being at a camp as a teenager in the late ’80s, where someone played a recording of the song “It’s the End of the World” by R.E.M. We were bouncing around listening to the lyrics which pointed out the ways our world looked like it was ending: “Starts with an earthquake. Eye of a hurricane. Wire in a fire. Government for hire.” Blah, blah, blah.
Then, we all sang out the chorus at the top of our lungs: “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I’ll feel fine.” It was teenage bliss and immaturity on display.
If we were literally at the end of the world, our youthful tranquility was based on innocence bordering on ignorance. It was nothing that looked like peace that passed understanding.
Throughout history, every generation has had its doomsayers. The reality? We’re still here, and so is the world. The problem lies in our tendency to jump to conclusions, fueled by sensationalism and the innate human fear of the unknown.
But what’s the cost? Misguided decisions, unnecessary stress, and a life lived in perpetual anxiety. The alternative?
Don’t panic. The end is near.
In the first century, Peter certainly saw that the end of all things was near, but this didn’t cause panic. He pointed out the difference between reacting in an emergency and being proactive from a sense of urgency, and he calls us to the latter.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7 ESV).
That may not be the most comforting verse, but I appreciate the realistic guidance for followers of Jesus.
Be self-controlled.
Being self-controlled means remaining disciplined, even when it’s difficult.
It’s about managing your actions, emotions, and desires, making thoughtful decisions, and resisting impulses. Exercising self-control is a revolutionary act in an age where the temptation to react is at an all-time high.
Be sober-minded.
Being sober-minded means thinking clearly and staying calm. It also means being sensible and focused, making good decisions without being influenced by emotions or distractions. Being sober-minded isn’t about ignoring reality but approaching it with a clear mind and a steady hand (here’s how to guard your mind against negative thoughts and bad decisions).
For the sake of your prayers.
For many years, prayer was one of those areas where I typically felt like I wasn’t doing it right or not praying enough. Most of my prayers targeted my preferred outcomes to align with God’s promises.
My prayer focus changed when I started patterning my prayers after Paul.
He prayed for intangible things like spiritual wisdom and insight, the knowledge of God’s will, and the incredible greatness of his power (see Ephesians 1:17-20).
Keep calm and keep praying.
Panicked prayers are driven by fear and worry. Peace-driven prayers come from a clear mind and a calm heart dialed in on the Prince of Peace.
How do you pray for people with a clear mind when the end is approaching?
Choose a group of people and pray for them according to Paul’s prayers in Ephesians:
– Pray that the Lord will empower them with inner strength from his Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).
– Pray that Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust him (Ephesians 3:17).
– Pray their roots will grow down into God’s love and keep them strong (Ephesians 3:17).
– Pray they may have the power to experience God’s love and be made complete in him (Ephesians 3:18-19).
– Pray that they would accomplish infinitely more than they might ask or think because of God’s mighty power at work within them (Ephesians 3:20).
“All glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:21).