II Peter 3:11-18

Jesus is coming back. The world as we know it will be changed. So how do we live as we await this?

2 Peter 3:11-18 ...

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

You ought to live holy and godly lives ...

It can't be said enough: theology without a changed life is meaningless.

Ideas should have consequences. If we believe that God cares about how we live our lives, then we better live our lives differently! Likewise, if we believe life is pointless, then an ethic of eat, drink and be merry makes sense... have a blast while you last. Ideas have consequences.

But some people might think, well, if Jesus is going to come back and fix everything, then why should we bother trying to fix anything?

Indeed, God doesn't "need" us to do anything. He could do anything He wants with a snap of His fingers. He could say it is so and it is so.

Yet, God has us participate with Him in the transformation of a broken world and reconciliation of human beings with each other and with their God whom they have ignored and resisted.

And so, we have a responsibility. We should ... make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

We need to seek Him with our whole being for help.

So we need to stand firm in God drawing close to Him in humility asking that we think clearly and not be swayed. We need to strive to do what is right. Sometimes, our emotions are drawn to do what is right. We feel in our gut compassion and so our hands move to hug someone hurting. Sometimes, our minds can see that something will be beneficial so we write a check to an organization that helps get clean water wells built in a developing country saving lives. Sometimes, we do what is right because it is what God says we ought to do. For example, God says we should reconcile with one another. We don't feel like it. Our head says its too hard. But we need to do it because it is simply the right thing to do.

Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

We live in a world where there is a struggle. The "spirit of the age" includes a "do it if it feels good" approach which we must resist. The intellectuals of this world attack the idea of believing in God and trusting the wisdom contained in a dusty old book like Bible. Yet, thinking more carefully and clearly, their evidence falls somewhat short of the confident claims they assert.

Lord Jesus, you came to save us by walking on this earth, dwelling among us, dying on the Cross and rising from the dead. And you will return to finish the work! God until you return, help me to live for you. Craft within me more humility so that I will seek you. Transform my whole being by stirring my heart, convincing my mind and strengthening my will to live holy and do good and be your hands and feet in this world. Amen.