Monday, August 28, 2023

         Some of the most important lessons we ever learn are simple and basic.  These lessons are not complicated or confusing.  There was even a book a few years ago by Robert Fulghum with the title All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  Now that may or may not be true for you personally but there is something to say about the importance of basic truths and simple lessons.  Peter realized this too.  His two letters read in a clear and easy way.  He does not try to overwhelm us with big words or intricate arguments.  No, he simply presents God’s truth in a readable and understandable way.  In 2 Peter 1:12-13, the apostle has this to say, “So, I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.”  Peter is telling us that there are occasions where we need to remember the basics of our faith. Those times when we come back to some simple realities that we have known for years can be refreshing and reviving times. Basics like God is real, God loves us, Christ died for us and we can be forgiven and live forever.  These building blocks allow us to grow in our faith and reach even higher standards and levels.  We can never grow in our faith if we miss the basics that the Bible has for us to see. That mistake in thinking is like trying to put a roof on a house that has no foundation or walls to hold it up.  Let me suggest some lessons that Peter’s words might offer to us today.
            First, you might want to build a collection of favorite Bible verses that you can read and study consistently.  A good stable of Scriptures can be foundational for your faith.  These verses can remind you of the power of the cross, the truth of the resurrection, the importance of grace and God’s everlasting presence with you every day.  If you have a collection of “go-to” verses, then you will probably not be tricked or deceived by Satan into chasing petty things.  You will know and recognize what matters most.  The enemy is not picky.  He is happy to divert us to anything that is trivial and petty while turning us away from critical and important truths.
            Second, as humans we face adversity and battles “as long as we live in the tent of this body.”  We win spiritual battles with prayer, Bible reading, seeking the Lord and trusting His promises.  We do not fight in our own strength.  We fight in the strength of Christ.  We fight by wearing the armor of God.  In ourselves and by ourselves, we are so weak and frail.  But the armor of God was meant to enwrap and encase these tents in which we live.  It helps to remember the very basic and foundational parts of our faith. 
            Third, God often uses us to remind others of the truths that make a difference.  We often call this witnessing.  We want to speak of what we know to be true.  I am reminded of a blind man who was healed by Jesus in John 9—a man who was actually born blind.  He had never seen anything until Jesus came into His life.  When this man was asked by some of Jesus’ opponents to explain what had happened, he replied by saying “One thing I do know.  I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25).  You may have a similar story to tell.  Maybe God has not healed you from blindness, but He has done something in your life.  He has blessed you.  He has forgiven you.  He has done something to change you.  He has poured His grace into you.  You and I have a story to tell.  We have reasons to be witnesses.  We can speak about what God has done and sing of His praises.  In his own words, Peter said, “I will always remind you of these things” (2 Peter 1:12). 
            Finally, you could approach every day with a simple question.  What would God have me to accomplish?  No one says you have to do a hundred things or even twenty things.  God’s plan for you might be to do one or two things that bring glory to Him and give you a chance to connect with someone else.  Busyness is often an enemy of faithfulness.  Being busy and being faithful are not synonymous.  Honestly, they can often be at odds with each other.  Most of us are not able to be proficient and faithful with a full-plate of daily duties, post-it notes and phone alarms that remind us where and when to be.  Begin the day by framing your day with that one question—what would God have for me to do?  You might be surprised by how liberating you feel after asking that one question. Have a great Monday and remember you can share our worship with others at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.  We hope to see you again this coming Wednesday for one of our many mid-week opportunities!  May God bless and encourage you today!