My mom often retells stories, that although I may not have been present at the event, I feel as though I were there. The many times I have experienced her reminiscences of these events have made it so I could recount these as though I had been there. She has passed down her life stories so I can pass them down and my children can pass them down. But what of the things of God? Am I able to pass down the qualities that please God because of the reminiscences of those before me? We easily forget what we need to remember most. We forget the spiritual aspect of our lives because the realities of food, money, sex, chores and sleep are hard to pass up. Although our soul is not silent it is often neglected for the priorities of this world.
Peter had made it his goal to pass on those things that matter most. Knowing that the Christian life is hard, he wanted to help the saints to remember what they would easily forget in the struggle. The qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affections and love will make the believer fruitful and effective in the kingdom of God. But do we live for the Kingdom of God or this world? It is more convenient to develop the “qualities” of influence, power, riches, comfort, pride, possessions, entertainment, amusement and manipulation. We can see, feel and have immediate gratification in the things of this world yet the kingdom is perceived by faith.
Peter wanted to pass on what matters most but also wanted to solidify it in the minds of believers. Knowing his life in this world would end soon; he wanted to expend his energy on eternal matters in a way that believers would be able recall. It is easier to make a big splash that fades away quick as fads come and go but to focus on what lasts is time consuming, rigorous and unpopular. The goal of the church should be to pass down these qualities and confessions in a way that believers remember and retell. These qualities and confessions should become such a delight and a way of life that the believer can’t help but to pass them on. Catchy phrases, “shnazzy” programs and self-affirming experiences only last as long as they can be maintained or remembered. The things of God are eternal and Spirit led and empowered.
So then, how should the church expend her energy to help the believer recall these qualities? The church must focus or get a 3D perspective: define, defend and delete. She must define doctrine. This happens when we look to the scriptures and the creeds to understand what God has spoken to us. When my children are required to do vocabulary words for school they must look up the definitions in a dictionary not just make up a meaning that suits their fancy. There is a standard. Yes, words meanings may change over time but that does not mean that one can insert the modern meaning into the older passage for that would change the author’s intention. Today “gay” is understood as a homosexual lifestyle but in the past “gay” meant happy. To insert homosexual meanings into the references to gay in past writings would totally distort the author’s understanding. Defining doctrine is important because it is what God has communicated to us. God has intended to make His will and Himself known. What a profanity to misrepresent God!
Once the church knows what God has spoken she must defend it. Many will try to dilute and pervert the truth of God for their own selfish gain. Since many rely on clergy to represent God to them dishonest people may deceive them. That is why defending the faith involves placing the word of God into their lives. It involves passing on the creeds that were tempered in the flames of persecutions and conflict. Standing on the truth passed down by the church fathers and led by the Spirit of God, the church can wage war against those who would try to destroy the work of God.
Omitting that which is unnecessary is helpful in communication. The church has too often focused on the unnecessary and majored on the minors. It is convenient and trendy to direct our efforts on what the world thinks is important. Should the church listen to Bono or the Word of God for the direction of the church? Perhaps the church has out grown the Word of God? Perhaps God’s truth is not enough? Maybe God needs business plans, marketing schemes, and money to do anything? Foolishness! Delete the schemes of man and rely on the word and ways of God. Instead of inviting a church growth planner to come, invite the Holy Spirit to come! Fast and pray as church leadership not manipulate and market. Is the church about God’s business or the worlds? Delete the unnecessary and live on what God has provided. Joshua conquered the Promised Land on faith in God’s promises not worldly strategy.
Pass it on. Make it memorable. What we actually do, repeat and retell is what we think is most important. What will people remember about you? Do they see the qualities of the Spirit or the vices and devices of the world? As Peter labored, so we must make every effort so that after our departure other believer may be able at anytime to recall these qualities and confessions.
