2 Peter 3:14
“Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish.”
The last entry about this verse gave reasons for being right with God. They were to be ready because the end was near, to avoid feeling guilty, to be in harmony with Him and to please Him. I spent most of the time referring to the blessings of being in harmony with Him. However, I feel I am doing this for myself.
I want to focus on the last reason, because it pleases Him. I feel like this will be somewhat foreign. It’s the most mature reason.
Jesus was involved in a story which illustrates the rarity of this motive. It’s the story of the ten lepers. He told them to go the priests. While on their way, they were healed. Only one returned to thank Jesus. This pleased Him (Luke 17:11-19).
Only ten percent returned. How often am I grateful? It might be ten percent of the time. I don’t speak out of guilt. I know He loves me and approves. However, I would like to respond in a more mature way.
Here’s how He says I am to love Him. In John 14:15, He says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” It doesn’t seem very relational. However, it’s comforting. I feel I can do that. He sees obedience as a loving response.
This Luke passage has brought me great freedom. I’ve been disappointed in what I perceived as a lack of love for a long time. Yet, He says to obey Him is to love Him. I sense His pleasure. I feel He knows it’s the best we can do.
Lord, help us to love You more. Help us to be like the leper who returned. Help us to obey You.