It's time to stir things up!

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Scripture

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
(2 Peter 1:12 NASB)
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,
(2 Peter 1:13 NASB)
knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
(2 Peter 1:14 NASB)
And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
(2 Peter 1:15 NASB)

Observation

Peter was nearing the end of his life and yet, at this juncture, he wanted to make sure that those who had come to Christ though him, would continue to serve the Lord. Those in the first century of Christianity were so closely connected to Christ, Himself. Many had seen Him, hear Him, followed Him and willingly were giving their lives for Him. However, Peter was concerned about passing on the faith to the next generation. Would they be as diligent with the Gospel which had been placed in his hands? Peter feels that, even though these people are faithful followers, he needs to send them a reminder. He needs to stir them up, so that they will continue to be faithful.

Application

We may be witnessing one of the greatest failures of a generation to pass on faith that the history of the world has ever experienced. We are living in a day and age where secularism is winning the day. Consumerism and materialism have taken the place of God. Everything we need is available to us -- so why do we need to trust in Him? As I walk the streets of this great city of Manchester I overcome with the sights and sounds. People who have had great influence in this part of the world include John Wesley, and Karl Marx, and just this week the English atheist, Christopher Hitchens passed away. There have been loud voices who, over time, have stirred things up. However, maybe Peter is saying something different to us. I don't think he's being a loud voice. Rather, I believe he's being a gentle voice with those who have been raised in the faith. He's not just going to let them be -- he's not going to let them wander off. Rather, he is reminding them -- he's stirring things up a bit -- and getting them back to the basics. Remember what was important to you! Remember the commitments you have made! I'm going to be gone and I want the next generation to carry on. This is what Peter is saying.
We must find a way to keep stirring things up. I want to be cautious here because I don't mean in a wild tele-evangelist sort of way. Rather, within our personal sphere of influence we must keep up the reminders. We must remain consistent in our walk. We must continue to talk to the next generation about the importance of our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are going to be able to keep the flame of Christianity alive, we must be willing to keep stoking the fire. If we don't, we live in danger of it going out.

Let's get the job done. Let's be faithful. Let's be willing to stir things up!

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to keep the fires burning. Amen.

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