Holiness #5—Hastening Holiness

Since the earth will be destroyed, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness as you look for and hasten the coming of the day of God … which, according to his promise, will produce new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells? 2 Peter 3:11–13

It’s hard to imagine a world devoid of most of what we now know and hold dear, or what we know and fear. The causes and the things to which we now devote our time and energy will eventually disappear. They won’t disappear because they’re evil or remain because they’re good. They’ll go because they were meant to be temporary. Right now, it’s difficult to imagine a world without wickedness, injustice, and violence, or where no one minces words or destroys hope with cynicism. But we must hold the image of such a world in our mind’s eye, a world in which righteousness dwells, so we can work toward its arrival. By understanding that much of what we do is only of secondary importance and will be destroyed, we can concentrate our energy on activities that will bring about our most cherished hope. Since holy conduct will have lasting consequences, let’s be holy. What valuable behavior will accelerate God’s creative renewal? Actions that demonstrate how much we cherish God’s grace. Lives that are harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, kindhearted, and humble will certainly qualify. Helping people pledge and perform allegiance to Christ, that is to live in the obedience of faith, are the most valuable ways we can precipitate this precious promise.

O Lord, I want your promise to come soon. Grant me the grace I need to see its beauty, so I will demonstrate love for what is truly excellent and ultimately valuable.