1 & 2 Peter Book Study නියැදිය

God's Gifts, My Choice

If you and your companions were to come upon an emergency shelter after a long, cold and arduous winter hike in the mountains, you would no doubt be greatly relieved. And if a quick scan of the interior revealed a stove with matches, firewood and food supplies, you would be even more relieved. “What marvellous gifts,” you might say to each other. But all of that would be useless to you unless you used these materials and supplies—just looking at them and thanking God for them will not warm you up nor feed that gnawing hunger in your stomachs!

Peter says: “You have everything you need to live a life that pleases God” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV). He is referring to God’s promises, the work of his Spirit in our hearts, which changes us on the inside and gives us the ability to withstand our own evil desires. This is wonderful to know, and at times, this reminder is a great boost to our faith.

But, Peter says, we need to do something as well. We need to grab hold of these truths and choose to live well. It is not enough that we know about God’s goodness, but we need to discipline ourselves to be good, to be understanding and patient with others. We need to focus on growing in our faith so that self-control, concern for others and love become the traits that mark our lives.

There might be some difficulty getting a fire going and cooking up some of the freeze-dried packages from the cabin shelves, but your choice to persevere will actually warm the bodies and souls of you and your friends. Our actions, our spiritual disciplines will similarly feed our souls.

Respond in Prayer

Lord God, thank you for all the spiritual resources I have in your Word and your Spirit. Help me to choose well, to live well and to work at being a person of integrity and compassion. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Henry Friesen