Daily Readings and Thought for December 13th. “WHOEVER DESIRES TO LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS …”

Surely we all desire to experience goods days, to love and enjoy life.  Well then, let us specially notice Peter’s advice that we read in his letter today – for his next words, to those above, are “let him (or her) keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” [1 Peter 3 v.10,11]

It is not just seeking – it is pursuing – remembering, as Peter next writes, “for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.  But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” [v.12]

Just two classes of people!  Nothing in between!  The increasing selfish self-centredness in the world today we might not class as evil – but it is a way of life that leaves God totally out of the picture?   There are also those who only like to have “a form of godliness” but Paul advises Timothy to “avoid such people”  [2 Tim. 3 v.5].  This is not being self righteous; this is recognizing there are, only two pathways to choose from. We must see the situation as God does.

Those who choose God’s pathway, Peter further says, have “ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time … no longer for human passions but for the will of God” instead of “living in sensuality, passions …” [Ch.4 v.2,3].

We had our thoughts further provoked by his next words about those who follow the more worldly way of life and their attitude compared to those who earnestly follow a godly way.  “They malign you,” writes Peter, “but will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” [v.4,5].  So Peter’s comments indicate God calls to account at the time of judgement those who know the right way to live, but do not do so!

The scripture tells us that (Isaiah 26 v.14; Psalm 49 v.17-20, etc) that many when they die, will stay dead, they “will never again see light.”  However, Peter is making it plain there is a whole class of others who, “will give account to God” because of their failure to follow in the pathway to his kingdom.  So let all of us, as we read last week in Hebrews, “make straight paths for your feet” [12 v.23] and fully heed the words of Peter we read in his letter – because we desire to … see good days” especially in the awesome wonder of God’s kingdom on earth – and how soon now!