Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Jeremiah 7:3 NIV

For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness 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. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Simon Peter wrote his letter to a group of Christians who were in danger of being confused by false teachers. Peter wants his recipients to know that the Lord is certain to return, and that believers should be watchful. Later in the letter Peter relates that he and the disciples were eyewitnesses to the Lord’s majesty. He states this to assure the readers that his message has been confirmed during the time Jesus was among them.

What patience it must have taken to be these early Christians. They undoubtedly expected the Lord to return at any time. They had come from other faiths and beliefs earlier in their lives. The remnants of these earlier traditions must have come into their thoughts. Also, many of them were being ridiculed and mocked for being Christians. Perhaps even family members and friends were unhappy that these people had become Christians. False prophets and teachers were also trying to dissuade them.

Once again the words of the Bible speak to us today. We are constantly barraged by the “things of this world.” We are promised happiness if only we will buy the latest product. We are being asked to follow false leaders and disparage others with whom we may have little in common. The news constantly tells of the ills of the world and of people’s lack of respect for others and their rights.

But, both the words of Jeremiah and of Simon Peter sound simple and simply kind. When we turn our hearts and minds over to what God would have us to do, love for one another leads us to follow God’s expectations for each one of us, his beloved children. Our lives should be ones of faith supported by goodness, godliness, and love.

Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Thank you for giving us direction to lead a godly life. Give us the will to reform our ways to strength our faith. help us to be your disciples. Amen.

Florence Smallfield

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party