2 Peter 3: 11, 14 "...what sort of people ought you to be...be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless."

 Peter is reminding the believers that when the Day of the Lord arrives the heavens and earth will burn up and pass away (v. 10).  Everything that they see and even enjoy will no longer exist at a point in time.  We have a tendency to think that the world in which we live is permanent, even eternal, but it is not! It's all going to burn!  Why would God do that?  Everywhere Satan has been and touched has been tainted.  All the monuments and buildings that man has built to himself will be destroyed.  Because of Adam's sin, the curse that fell upon the earth will be ultimately removed and replaced by that which is not cursed.  There will be a point when God destroys all of this that we see, and He makes new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (v. 13).   Should we be mourning over this and seek to hold on to this present existence?  The Apostle is calling the believers to holy living, a life that is full of peace, spotless and blameless in the World.  This does not mean that we do not enjoy some of the things in this life or marvel at the beauty of nature or the majesty of so many different places.  We can enjoy the World in which we live more fully, only if we are seeking to live obediently for Him in this world.  If what we value most is destined to be burned up, then we will never be at peace in this life, and the prospect of what is to come will fill us with uncertainty and fear.  A life of surrender and service to Christ causes us to recognize the glory of God all around us and desire to live out His purposes and plans for us.  We look forward to the eternal in the short time that we have on this earth.  And for that reason, this world will not have a hold and control over us.  When the time comes to let go, we will do so with great joy, hope, and peace.

In Christ,
Tommy Middleton

< Read more about Dr. Middleton >