So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
II Peter 3:14
Believing in Christ gives us peace with God because the righteous blood of Jesus Christ covers our sins and reconciles us to God the Father.
By experience we know that we do not always feel peace with God. When we face difficult times we may wonder where God is and if He cares. Peter offers us a clue to the disruption of our peace in terms of our relationship with the Lord. He exhorts the readers in II Peter 3:14 to make every effort to be found spotless and blameless and at peace with Him as they await the return of Jesus Christ. Peace is found as we live holy and godly lives. Throughout his letters, Paul tells early Christians that the secret to being at peace with God is to grow to be more like Christ daily. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27 that He was leaving them with a different kind of peace: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The world offers us a fleeting peace based on circumstances, success, and material possessions. We are offered a different kind of peace based on the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. Peter ends this letter as he began with warnings to the suffering church. They were not to listen to false teachers, but to put their hope in Christ who would be with them always.
Have you lost your peace? Check out any areas of your life where you may need to be reconciled to God: places of disobedience, offenses against others, or anything that blocks holiness. If you are looking for the world to give you peace, remember that God’s peace is different. His peace is available when we follow Him: If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:18)
Heavenly Father, Help me in my journey with You to make every effort to be found blameless before You. Restore my peace where I have disobeyed You and help me to remember that Your peace depends on my relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
