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. (2 Peter 3:11–12)
A popular meme declares that how you say “representative” to an automated phone menu is who you really are. Ever found yourself pushing those digital phone buttons with force, or saying “customer service” louder and louder, to a robot? Maybe phone rage isn’t your issue. Perhaps you give driving instructions to that person who doesn’t know where the turn signal or gas pedal is located. Or perhaps you have another pet peeve that takes you out.
Peter helped believers to process the ways that God had fulfilled his promises in the past and assured them that his promise to return would be fulfilled as well. Christ is coming. As a result, who should we be? The knowledge of what Christ has done for us and of the coming judgment should motivate holy and godly living. Jesus said what comes out our mouths comes from the heart, and out of our hearts come evil thoughts that defile us (see Matt. 15:18–20). Wholesome thinking comes from remembering God’s Word and putting it into practice until the day of Christ’s return.
What are you nurturing in your life? The Message interprets 2 Corinthians 5:20 as “We’re Christ’s representatives.” Are we living holy and godly lives that represent Christ? Let’s represent well. We need to stop feeding our pet peeves, and instead, nurture our call to holiness.
Identify where you are a poor representative and put faith into practice.
Priscilla Hammond is an ordained pastor and associate professor in the Benson School of Business at Southern Wesleyan University. She served as the compiling editor of This Holy Calling (WPH, 2022).
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
