Before the Fire

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. (2 Peter 3:11-12a NLT)

So, much of what I work at in this life cannot come with me.  Not only that, much of what I leave behind will not survive the "final fire" we talked about yesterday.  Now what?  What does that mean?  I live on this side of eternity.  I live on this side of the fire.  How does this affect how I live today?  We should live "holy and godly lives" because we look forward to that day approaching...any time now.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight. (2 Peter 3:14 NLT)

It's easy to live "good lives" when we're expecting the "final fire" any day now.  When you know "Dad" is watching and is ready to come home, you behave yourself.  We all do.  Living "pure and blameless" after a few days, weeks, months, or years can get more and more difficult.  When is he going to return?  When's the final fire going to get here?

And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved...  (2 Peter 3:15 NLT)

He may not even return during our lifetime.  That doesn't change the facts, though.  Some things we can take with us.  Some things we can not.  Some of our work will survive the flames.  Some of it will not.  Not only that, His delay in getting here is for a very real reason...

The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)

He's waiting for us.

You've been far away from God?  He's waiting for you to come back.  

You're already walking together with God?  He's waiting for you to empower one more.

I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18 NLT)