Can I make a confession? Ok, here goes…
Some days I don’t feel very creative. I sit and stare at
the computer screen trying to think of something to write. Something that will teach,
encourage, inspire, or captivate the thoughts of a listener or reader. So here I sit – a blank screen in front of
me – and as I sit a long lost memory comes to mind. (I suspect it is a nudging
from God.)
Years ago, as I was “shaking out” folks after church, I
greeted a fellow who had been a Bible college professor and preacher for years.
Having him present was always intimidating, after all he can read a Greek
bible. So I said something to him along the lines of doubting if my message had
taught him anything or done much to help deepen his faith. And he agreed – it hadn’t!
But he was okay with that. Because, according to him, most
who come to church on Sunday know quite a bit about the teachings of scripture.
Many have attended for years. So, to him the role of the preacher was to
remind, encourage, and help folks see in a new light what they already
know.
In his second letter, Peter reminds readers that God has
given them everything needed to live a godly life. And then he challenges
believers to make every effort to live well by adding moral excellence to
faith, then adding knowledge, then self-control, patient endurance, godliness,
brotherly affection, and finally to add a love for everyone.
No surprises. Stuff we already know - right?!?!
But then he wrote this: “Therefore, I will always
remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are
standing firm in the truth you have been taught.” 2 Peter 1:12 (NLT)
Peter dedicated his life to teaching and re-teaching
believers. So taking a cue from Peter (and with the encouragement of a friend),
here a few reminders:
·
Stay faithful and true to Christ! (Hebrews
10:23)
·
Spend time in the Word! (2 Timothy 2:15)
·
Keep on praying! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
·
Help others know Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:11)
·
Keep your faith alive by doing! (James 2:26)
·
Encourage others! (Hebrews 10:24)
·
Attend every possible worship service! (Hebrews
10:25)
·
Excel in giving! (2 Corinthians 8:7)
·
Guard your thought life! (Philippians 4:8)
The list is not exhaustive, but I encourage you to ponder
it carefully. It contains no new “news” or surprises. It is simply a
re-teaching, a re-encouragement, and a re-reminder. But if we truly believe that God
inspired the words to be written - and that the great men and women of our
faith taught these things over and over - maybe we should make every effort to live in manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ!!!
Reminded to remind,
Ron
