The Relevant Disciple

I have to admit that I am utterly amazed how easily Christians fall off the wagon. I really believe most Christians are not grounded in the Word.

In 2 Peter 1:9, Peter writes the following: “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”

What qualities is Peter talking about? If you go back and read 2 Peter 1, you will discover that he is talking about the following qualities: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities should be evident in the lives of every person who claims to follow after Christ. The problem is that most Christians follow after the following qualities: outer beauty, street smarts, sexual desires/drives, loose or in the moment thinking, worldliness, personal affection, and lust. Most Christians look just like the world; they are not different. As a pastor and minister of the gospel this is very disconcerting. My passion is for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and my desire is to reach people for the Gospel and to live a life for the glory of God. Yes, I struggle and I have my faults but every day I fight those desires and seek God’s guidance.

As you examine your life, what qualities to do you see? Do people look at you and wonder why you act and look so different? Do your actions point people to Christ? Is the passion of your heart to live a life that glorifies God? These are important questions that we must ask ourselves each day. I truly believe that most Christians have become nearsighted just as Peter says; they have become distracted by the passions of the world. Most Christians seek approval of society and by doing that they are walking away from the truths of God’s word. God not only wants our best but He wants us. He wants us to be fully committed to Him every day. God deserves our full commitment, worship, praise, and life. We must be focused on Him if we are going to reach a world with the gospel of Jesus Christ! Take a stand for the gospel and put on His qualities.

In His Love,

John