Bette Midler once said regarding her body, “After fifty,
it’s just maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.” Those in that age bracket
will agree. However, I try not to focus on the state of my body since this is
too easy the topic of conversation for us seniors. It tends to fill my head
with a ‘me’ focus that is not healthy for my spiritual life.
At the end of 2 Peter, this disciple writes about focus as
God’s people wait for the end of life and the return of Jesus Christ. He puts
the focus on my spiritual state and gives me some practical assignments . . .
Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him . . . You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . . . (2 Peter 3:14–18)
Be found by Him without spot or blemish. This isn’t
about freckles or pimples but about sin. No one is sinless in this life, but
keeping short accounts is possible. That is, God wants me to confess and
forsake any sinful and selfish attitudes and actions as soon as I realize they
are present. The benefits include continual fellowship with God and His people,
having a child-like humility and attitude toward life, and a good night’s
sleep!
Be at peace. No worrying. How is that even
possible? For me, it means trusting the Lord with everything, and to do that, I
must believe in His love and power. He is sovereign over this world and all
that is in it. If not, I’d be in a stew about everything because nearly
everything seems to be coming unraveled. Trusting the Lord means being able to
take my burdens to Him and leave them in His care. I cannot do that without
firmly believing He hears me and will answer my prayers. His answers may not be
what I expect, but trust isn’t concerned about my thoughts and opinions, only
about His loving wisdom.
Count patience as salvation. Peter also said that
I’m to consider patience as a huge factor in salvation. Impatience is me trying
to run things my way — and that is the essence of sin. Patience is evidence of
faith, of knowing God is taking care of things and being okay with that. It is
not an anxious ‘wait and see’ but a settled and peaceful yielding to His will.
Don’t get carried away. Spiritual maintenance includes
standing firm on what I believe, not carried away by the teaching of those who
have no regard for the basic principles of faith. The foundations of trust and
obey, of knowing and believing, are the firm places. I don’t need to study
error to know it — I only need to study truth.
Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Last
but not least I am to grow by studying Him, spending time with Him. Listening.
Following His leading. Seeking His face. Reviewing and remembering His words.
Doing whatever is necessary to deepen my relationship with this man who is God —
who saved me for all eternity!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jesus, this is simple stuff for this old-timer, basic for
those who are new to the faith, yet powerful. Doing the will of God is not as
challenging as wanting to do the will
of God. I must want to abandon the habits and old sinful ways and dictates of
the world, the flesh, and the devil. Keep me close as I desire to stay close. I
love You and want to bring You glory in this life and in the life to come!
Today’s thankful list . . .
- having basics to keep me growing and in God’s will.
- faith is practical!
- a good workout at the gym.
- motion detector light switches.
- time for a much-needed nap this afternoon.
- chicken tacos and salt-free chips.
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