Let’s forget the goal of normal and work for the divine this year!
By Dean Collins
It’s here! The day we have been waiting and praying would arrive. Now what?
Oh, how we want 2021 to bring back normal. But if we want to take full advantage of a new day in a new year, maybe we should consider something better than merely normal. What if I told you this year could be better than normal? In fact this year our new normal could be divine!
Example and guide
Peter is both our example and our guide for this amazing offer. Consider a tired fisherman out for his daily catch at a this time that was like so many others. He had nothing to show for his work. He still had taxes to pay, a family to provide for, and dreams of success; but his normal day had once again turned to disappointment. Until Jesus entered the picture. Jesus turned normal into divine with these words: “Come follow me...I will make you a fisher of men.” Normal = Fisherman. Divine = Fisher of Men.
We know from Scripture that Peter’s path to apostle and leader of the first century church was a bit rocky. There were plenty of trips and falls and one that appeared fatal, but then again Jesus stepped into Peter’s failures with a question and a command. “Peter, do you love me?” Not once but three times. “Feed my lambs.”
When we open 2 Peter we see a rock of an apostle no longer normal and certainly offering the followers, the sheep, even you and me, a big plate of nourishment. This New Year’s meal has more power than any traditional meal of black-eyed peas and collards. This isn’t about hope of money. This offering from Peter speaks of the divine power of God that has already been authorized and granted by Jesus himself.
Practical and powerful
Here are Peter’s practical and powerful instructions. He didn’t write this for New Year’s Day, but I think these words, if heeded, might just carry us far beyond any New Year’s resolution. In fact, if followed, these words will not only transform your year, they will transform the rest of your life!
It starts with a prayer from Peter that God’s grace and peace be multiplied in us by the knowledge of God and of his Son, Jesus. Peter knew well that prayers centered in God’s heart and will are never denied. In fact, your very faith in Christ is evidence that Peter’s prayer continues to be answered even today.
Glory and excellence
As we enter 2021, consider that God has called us to his own glory and excellence and granted us precious and great promises; we are the recipients of both divine power and the divine nature of God! Not only are we created in God’s image, but in Christ we now possess divine seed. Our acceptance of Jesus makes us new. Our sins are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit now resides in this broken vessel of our flesh.
Productive and effective
Peter is clear that to be effective as the people of God we must take our supplements. Some of you may not be old enough to need them but eventually you will catch up with those in the older crowd who always need supplements, both nutritional and those we purchase to go with Medicare! But these aren’t what Peter described. Here are the divine supplements that will give us rich spiritual nourishment and lead us to productive and effective life.
1) Supplement your faith with virtue. This is similar to the instructions from James. We are to have faith and deeds, not just faith. Our behaviors must align with our faith, and together they form spiritual power.
2) Supplement virtue with knowledge. One supplement won’t do if we want 2021 to be different. In this case Peter is reminding us not just to run around doing things we believe are inspired. We must stay connected daily to the knowledge of God that comes from his Word.
3) Supplement knowledge with self-control. Learning facts and even Biblical principles without self-control may very well lead to self-righteousness and a superior attitude toward others. A follower of Jesus must always be rooted in humility before they share with others.
4) Supplement self-control with steadfastness. Self-control is layered with steadfastness so we can realize our patience with others and our patience with God’s timing. We can be filled with faith, knowledge, and self-control, but steadfastness helps us realize that our calling is a marathon and not a sprint.
5) Supplement steadfastness with godliness. We cannot impact the world if we act in ungodly ways. But godliness is evidence of theology at work in daily practice. Godliness creates awe and wonder as we watch God do in us what we could never do alone.
6) Supplement godliness with brotherly affection. Philadelphia isn’t just a city in Pennsylvania, it’s the Greek word for love of brothers and sisters in Christ treating each other with respect and kindness. When we show the world the ugly underbelly of church life, we send them running. Look at the mass exodus of young people from the church in recent years and you see the results of godliness without brotherly affection. 2021 is a year to repair this problem and regain the confidence of the next generation.
7) Finally supplement brotherly affection with love. Agape is the New Testament word for this love. It is determined and actively giving to others without holding back or thinking of self first. Jesus is our example and our reservoir of such love. And when we love like Jesus, the world will know whose we are and what God desires for all.
All of these supplements require effort. God has done and will continue to fulfill his side of the relationship, but we must exert some effort on our side.
Renewal and restoration
For 2021 to be different than last year, all of us who claim to know Jesus will need to be diligent in the work of spiritual formation. In fact, Peter said if we confirm these qualities in our lives, we will not fail. God will use us in this life to bring kingdom renewal and restoration. And one day we will walk right through the gates of Heaven where we will forever enjoy God’s presence and will hear those beautiful and anticipated words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Let’s forget normal as a goal and work for the divine this year!
Your time with God’s Word
2 Peter 1:1-15 ESV
