But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind…
Summary: The truth about God is not hard to find. He has given us an entire book about himself. Ignoring the truth is not only possible, it is our natural instinct.
When Peter says people who do not have the seven qualities he lists are “nearsighted,” he means they refuse to see the truth about God.
This past weekend at our church’s men’s retreat, Ben talked about mental focus. He had us look at some words he had taped up on the wall and then pick one and focus on it. Then he provided a distraction in the form of an airhorn blast. We were surprised by how many of us stayed focused on what we were looking at. Many of us could look at one thing and ignore everything else.
In Matthew 7:3, Jesus says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” He is referring to our human tendency to focus on the flaws of someone else while ignoring our own.
I struggle with this all the time. When I have a list of things to do, I usually sort it out and prioritize what I need to work on. Why? Because I cannot work on everything all at once. I have to make a choice. (Do I always choose well? Sadly, no…)
Jesus points out this choice in the Matthew passage. To put it another way, he is asking, “Why do you choose to focus on your brother’s shortcomings when you have so many of your own to work on?”
Good question!
Peter is hinting at the same thing. He has given us a list of seven challenges to focus on. These are things that every believer should be proficient at. If we blink, if we take our focus off of these seven things, then we risk stumbling.
Peter is not making a threat here. He is not condemning people who ignore his list. He is sounding a warning. “Hey” he is saying, “Pay attention!”
It is always easier to work on other people’s problems than it is to work on our own. Peter understands this. The night Jesus was betrayed by Judas, Peter was all about fixing the problems of the high priest and his cohorts, with a sword if necessary! (John 18:10) Meanwhile, he could not even stay awake for an hour while Jesus prayed. (Matthew 26:40)
Peter wants us to keep our eyes opened, and focused on the right things.
Application: Keep Peter’s list in mind: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness (reverence), mutual affection, and love (agapē).
Food for Thought: What do we give up when we focus on the seven qualities Peter lists for us?
What do we give up? Since everything on this list calls us to focus on God and building up others in the church, we give up our narcissistic tendencies which are inherent in our sinful nature. Luke 9: 23.
Rich,
I like the reference verse you provide: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
In light of this post, the cross we take up is the death of our “narcissistic tendencies” as you put it. Well said!
Rich got it!
God promised Adam obedience would bring a blessed life on earth. God also promised Adam, disobedience would bring death. God was speaking of spiritual life and death. Adams choice to ignore God brought spiritual darkness and death to all mankind.
Genesis 3, Romans 5:12
God sent His Son Jesus Christ who gave His life so mankind could choose to receive His blessing, eternal life through His Sons sacrifice. To receive this gift men must repent, turn from their sins And by faith accept Christs sacrifice for our sins.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22, John 3:16,
Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, for the just shall live by faith, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Hebrews 11:6, Galatians 3:11, John 14:6
There are only two paths to walk, two ways to live. We can live in obedience to Gods Word or we can choose to live in disobedience. Gods truths are revealed in creation, written in our hearts, and revealed to all by His Holy Spirit. I have tried it my way, choosing to please my human desires, and it does not work.
Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:18-20, John 16:8-13
We are called to surrender our will to God and focus on His leading us to develop the seven qualities given by Peter.
Matthew 16:24-25
Ron,
You have given us a beautiful rendering of the Gospel message today. Thank you!
We give up on the sin that slows us down
Nicely said, JRM!
Very pithy! 🙂