2 Peter 1:5a, “For this reason, make every effort…”
Last week we observed that Peter, who is well acquainted with the path of discipleship, calls for ongoing effort in following Jesus. In fact, he calls for, “every effort.” That is, a disciplined, intentional, effort. It’s an effort that never says, “well, I sort-of tried,” but says, “I will find a way.”
Now, to be blunt, this is more effort than most believers are interested in expending on “church stuff.” Many who follow Jesus put in enough effort to “attend church” most of the time, “set aside something” for the offering, pray before meals or in crises, and read their Bible once in a while. If it does occur to them that Jesus ought to be a bigger part of their life, then they “make every effort” to generate excuses or, for that moment at least, rejoice in the “grace” of Jesus.
It’s rare to hear someone say, “I don’t know how I’m going to make time for prayer and Scripture each morning, but I will,” or, “I don’t know when I’m going to get to those errands, but I just have to be at church,” or, “I’m not sure how to go about this, but I just have to get Jesus involved in my [difficult situation].”
This “every effort”-business is way outside normal. So then, why should we make every effort to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? (2 Peter 3:18)
Peter says, “For this reason…”
For what reason? Peter gives several reasons. The first is stated straight away in verse three: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Or, put simply, God gave us everything we need to live well.
In Jesus, God has given us everything we need to live well.
When you buy a house, the previous occupant moves their stuff out. They’d better! I don’t want their stinky old couch, their stupid cute mugs, their knock-off cereal, their weird smelling laundry soap, the stuff they boxed up in storage!
But imagine that someone, a) has built you a house and wants to give it to you, and b) has furnished it and stocked it with everything you specifically need to face what you will face in your life. Wonderful!
Now imagine that you move into this house...but you only stay on the first floor. In fact, you only really use the couch, the tv, the microwave, the bathroom. You don’t sleep on the California King select comforted to your specification. You don’t venture upstairs to peruse the library and game-room or view the art and ambiance of the den. You don’t head downstairs to see the work-out area or discover cool stuff buried in storage. You never head outside to see what tools and vehicles are in the barn. You never wander the property to admire the beauty of the home or the area.
But then you complain about how the owner gypped you? About how you don’t have the tools you need? About how bad a night’s sleep you get on the couch? About how sick and tired you are of Hot Pocket suppers?
Okay, this is silly. But there is a parallel. We have been given “entrance into the eternal kingdom” (v. 11), but are we interested in discovering what we have here, in Jesus?
We have everything we need to live well. Now, Peter doesn’t say, “We have everything we need to control all circumstances, people, markets, weather, etc.” We don’t have that. But we do have everything, in Jesus, that we need to live well—to think clearly, respond wisely, plan humbly, live generously, be kind and patient, suffer nobly, and die well. And whatever else we need: financial planning, marriage counsel, addiction recovery, friends, purpose, hope, understanding. Everything. Everything we need. Everything we need to live well.
Why “make every effort”? Because in this glorious home to which we have been brought by grace—by the life, death, and victory of Christ—we have all things that have to do with living a godly, a good, life. Make every effort to acquaint yourself with what God has given you, with what you yourself most need, in Jesus.
Photo by Jonathan Pielmayer on Unsplash
