2 Peter 1:3-8
His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence. Thus, he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with excellence, and excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I once read (author unknown), “In the history of the Christian church, wherever truth exists, error always follows.” In this letter to the church after 60 C.E., Peter writes instructions to help the Christians combat false doctrines. Peter wants to stress the need for believers to have true knowledge so that they might ward off error.
Today these words of Peter easily apply to us. God is present in our world giving us, his followers, everything we need for life and godliness so that “through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world…” If I choose to dwell on the “corruption” that inhabits the thoughts, minds, and actions of those I see on TV or who speak evil in our nation or world, I will fall apart with worry, hatred, suspicion, and despair.
God has a better plan for us: focus on God and God’s ways. Peter writes: For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with excellence, and excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.”
As Christians, we are not to sit around and mope, or follow those who chase after selfish satisfactions or speak false doctrines. Instead, we are to stand up for the truth of what God would have us do and be, be knowledgeable about the faith instilled in us through the Scriptures, and practice self-control, godliness, and mutual love of others. If we center ourselves on those things daily, regularly, we will be practicing what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. We will be effective witnesses of God. Amen! May it be so!
Prayer: God, thank you for giving me all that I need. Help me to ward off wandering from your ways and following what is popular. Amen.
Song: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”