Our hope in Christ changes our lives.

Change is all around us—technology, clothing styles, the vehicles we drive. We usually have to adapt to change in order to function in the world. Moving to a new location or a new job forces change upon us. Most have learned to navigate the Internet and use cell phones. Yet many people don't like change or don't deal with change very well.

As Christians, we've been changed inwardly. Peter noted this change. "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry" (1 Peter 4:1-3).

This change comes because we have been connected to Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection through Baptism. Sin has been defeated. Our evil desires don't control us as they once did. In our past lives, we easily engaged in the wickedness and immorality that characterizes the unbelieving world. Now God's will is the guiding force in our lives.

Peter described what this change looks like in our lives. "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:7-10).

Both attitudes and actions define our changed lives. Our thought processes are different. We believe that Jesus could return on any day or that death could seize us at any time. We live with that reality in mind. We live each day confident of eternal life in Christ.

While we wait, we are still in this world. The Lord has put people in our lives for us to help and serve. So we love our fellow Christians. This love is forgiving, kind, and compassionate. Our Christian love helps us take the words and actions of others in the kindest possible way. We show hospitality without complaining, even when it might be inconvenient. We make the most of opportunities to use the abilities God has given us to serve others. This might involve sharing the Word with others; supporting the ministry of the gospel in various ways; or being a loving neighbor, friend, spouse, or worker.

This changed life isn't easy. It takes sacrifice. We often endure ridicule from the unbelieving world. We struggle because our old sinful nature fights against this changed life. But Christ suffered for us on the cross. Our sins have been forgiven. We have hope in Christ. That's a change we can live with.