2 PETER 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

TO PONDER

In chapter 3 of Peter’s second letter to the churches that is recorded in the New Testament, Peter gives advice on how to live in a world where many people haven’t given their lives to Jesus and where the security and safety of society is threatened. His answer is to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, the son of God who has paid the price to restore our relationship with the Heavenly Family of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Peter first mentions “grace”, which is an undeserved gift. As we are reminded over and over, we can never do anything positive to earn our status of being a member of this Heavenly Family; it is pure gift, given to us out of the amazing love of this Family for us.

One of the things I craved as a child and as a young adult was the acceptance of my father. He did love me dearly and never did anything to make me doubt that love. But for some reason, I was always trying to show him my achievements. Maybe, it was due to the practice in the family to praise achievements and show no sympathy for failure. Anyway, this attitude carried over into my relationship with our Heavenly Father and I subconsciously felt that I had to prove myself to God and to somehow earn his love and acceptance.

You may also struggle to accept God’s grace as a free gift and feel you have to do things to deserve God’s grace. This may express itself in our giving to God’s work, in our volunteering in the church and community and even in writing devotions. Although we may understand out thinking is in error, we really struggle with changing that thinking, and really need God to do the changing through the working of Holy Spirit in our lives. It is a process that involves our surrender to Holy Spirit’s work and God’s timing.

Peter also mentions “knowledge”. This is not theoretical head knowledge, but a living relationship where we grow in knowing Jesus personally and his vision of what He wants to achieve in us. Again, this is a process guided by Holy Spirit. It involves times of prayer and prayerful reading of our bibles (where God reveals his passion for us), and responding to God’s call to follow where He leads us in His practical teaching to us, on the job, in how to live out the reality of being His children.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I can often get frustrated with my slow growth in my relationship with You and the other members of the Heavenly Family. I wish You could just wave Your magic wand and instantly make me into the person You have envisioned me to be. Then I wouldn’t have to go through the growing process. But, Father, I accept that You know that the growing process is important for me to experience, and I ask You to help me enjoy the surprises You will give me as I go on this journey with You. Amen

Today's devotion written by Charles Bertelsmeier, LifeWay Epping.