Scripture
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Peter is writing to Christians who may feel “ineffective and unproductive” in their faiths. I think many of us have seasons in which we feel ineffective and unproductive. We struggle with sin; we indulge in worldly desires; we are selfish; we are ineffective in showing others the love and grace that God shows us. Sometimes, we try to pray and ‘get right,’ but we feel our alone time with God is fruitless and full of distractions.
So, how do we respond? A major theme in Peter’s letter is ‘knowledge of God.’ He tells us to focus not on our problems (or even ourselves) and instead focus on hearts and minds on Jesus. He encourages us to know God. This can mean spending time in prayer and scripture reading; or it could mean spending time in Christian community (which is the body of Christ); sometimes it means cutting out things from our lives that are distracting us from our relationship with God. But ultimately, our spiritual lives are dependent on our relationship with God through Christ. We need to know God.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Reflect on a promise from the Bible. For example: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.
