High Stakes

Beloved: Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. 

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18)

This ancient letter from Peter gives us food for thought for today. We are to wait for a new heaven and a new earth because the old ones eventually will be dissolved in flames and melted by fire? Now that’s doom we all fear!  I object to calling this catastrophe the result of the “day of God.” God’s day is every day we now and will live while acting and behaving as if we are beloved of God doing God’s will and obeying God’s commandments.  When we do, righteousness dwells on the earth now and not later.

I do not wait for a new heaven and new earth.  I wait for our nation and world leaders’ awakening that our precious, current earth must be protected and cherished.  My wait – and yours – must include being on guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled.  This means electing leaders with principles and integrity, and who tell the truth and can be trusted to champion the common good.  There is much at stake – our future and salvation.

Deacon David Pierce