and to godliness, brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1.7)
Peter is talking about developing and maturing our lives as Christians. He’s concerned to encourage disciples into lives that are both effective and productive. What would you expect as the climax of this teaching? That we have massive crowds listening to lectures about the Bible? Or huge Praise parties, with lots of music and singing? Perhaps a meeting full of miracles, healings and deliverances? The answer is, none of these.
Moments of glory are a good place to start. But they are only the beginning. The progressive development of Christian life leads from the ecstasy of finding faith in the God of glory into reflecting God’s goodness. This leads us into a deeper knowledge of His Promises and also of ourselves, requiring self-control . This itself demands perseverance, so that we can carry His presence into every aspect of life: the meaning of true godliness. Where does all this now take us?
It shouldn’t surprise us, really. We know that He was born in humble circumstances. That He had no apparent beauty, to attract people to Him. He didn’t do religion the way that people expected. He didn’t focus on ceremonies or big buildings. What made the difference was the way that he treated people. The way that He drew close to them. The way He said, ‘Come, follow me’. And really cared for His friends. A band of brothers.
Brotherly love may seem a basic commodity. So is water. But both can be in scarce supply in today’s world. What matters so much more than all the things that draw crowds is this sharing of our lives in sustained, committed relationship. It’s costly. And it is so precious. Who will share these seats of brotherly kindness, close to your soul, today?
Moments of glory are a good place to start. But they are only the beginning. The progressive development of Christian life leads from the ecstasy of finding faith in the God of glory into reflecting God’s goodness. This leads us into a deeper knowledge of His Promises and also of ourselves, requiring self-control . This itself demands perseverance, so that we can carry His presence into every aspect of life: the meaning of true godliness. Where does all this now take us?
It shouldn’t surprise us, really. We know that He was born in humble circumstances. That He had no apparent beauty, to attract people to Him. He didn’t do religion the way that people expected. He didn’t focus on ceremonies or big buildings. What made the difference was the way that he treated people. The way that He drew close to them. The way He said, ‘Come, follow me’. And really cared for His friends. A band of brothers.
Brotherly love may seem a basic commodity. So is water. But both can be in scarce supply in today’s world. What matters so much more than all the things that draw crowds is this sharing of our lives in sustained, committed relationship. It’s costly. And it is so precious. Who will share these seats of brotherly kindness, close to your soul, today?
A prayer
Lord, my life can be so busy. Yet also so lonely. I acknowledge I need you. And I need people. To care for them and they for me. Thank you that this is what matters in your eyes.
Lord, my life can be so busy. Yet also so lonely. I acknowledge I need you. And I need people. To care for them and they for me. Thank you that this is what matters in your eyes.
Thank you that caring and being cared for does not diminish me,
but leads me into effectiveness and fruitfulness.
Help me today, to live this way, my Lord and my God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
