2 Peter 3:14; 18, “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these [new heavens and a new earth-verse 13), be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
The word “waiting” stands out to me in 2 Peter 3:14. Peter, who had been a fisherman, was not lazy. He worked hard in that employment, had drive, initiative, and was chosen to be the leader of the apostles. So must we live passionately and diligently with what God has given us to do on this earth, while we wait, seeking to earn eternal rewards until Christ’s return. How do you see yourself doing that in your employment or retirement? What would you desire to be doing should Christ’s triumphant return occur today? I would not want to be in an argument or be complaining about not being treated fairly because right then it wouldn’t really matter anymore. It takes godly wisdom to discern when to address and have those critical conversations that arise. Ideally, I would like to be reading my Bible, listening to Christian music, or taking a walk and enjoying God’s creation of trees and flowers if I am still alive when this occurs.
Peter gives a final appeal to the church in his letter, admonishing them to actively grow in having purity in their lives. The NIV uses the word “blameless.” How do we not stumble? It is found in 2 Peter 1:5-8, “growing in one’s faith, virtue (pureness of integrity), knowledge of God, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.”
What about being “at peace with him (NIV)” that Peter mentioned? 1 Thessalonians 5:23 declares, “Now may the God of peace himself, sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is the God of peace. I regret wrong decisions and actions that keep me from having peace after the fact, which just happened recently. I STUMBLE whenever I am not first checking or being led by the Holy Spirit and doing things my way. My green internal light should have been a red light. Perhaps I should have had more patience. Perhaps I wouldn’t have received the consequence if I had done what I knew was right. Yes, perhaps, the sovereign hand of God was upon me, and for that, I praise Him.
Are you growing in the favor of God and gaining more knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? That is what growing in grace is. Keep on keeping on. Be steadfast, unmovable, and diligent in your relationship with Christ. Seek Him first in all things and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Remember, God, knows your name (Isaiah 43:1). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Ephesians 1:18-20). “The Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire (declared to Israel when they were about to cross the Jordan and dispossess nations greater and stronger than they).” Deuteronomy 9:3. You have the advantage which is all due to God’s mercy and grace. Go get ’em!
Listen to Jeremy Riddle, Jesus Have It All (lyrics).