Let’s begin this post by reading 2 Peter 3:14-16:
14 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—
16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.
Even in modern times—though it seems this has been happening since the very beginning of the Church—we find ourselves surrounded by many doctrines and interpretations of Scripture. This often creates a sense of division within the body of Christ. Some people say we should do this or that, while others say we don’t have to. We live among contradictions, and at times, it becomes difficult to know what to believe.
This design was created as a reminder that, above all, what truly matters is found in verse 13 of this same chapter. In that passage, Peter tells us:
“Make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight.”
This means we should take a moment and ask ourselves:
- Is this rule leading me to live a peaceful life, or is it creating division within the body of Christ?
- Is this commandment helping me grow in purity and present myself blameless before God?
Additionally, according to the teachings of Jesus, we should also ask:
- Does this rule help me show the love that Jesus commanded when He said, ‘Love others as yourself’?
At the end of this chapter, Peter gives us a final warning:
17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.
18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What Peter is telling us here is that we have all the tools necessary to discern whether a doctrine aligns with the Truth or simply serves a particular agenda. But the most important lesson he gives us is this: Instead of being easily swayed by new teachings or constantly trying to prove our point, we should focus on our own spiritual growth.
We are called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus.
This design serves as a reminder of that simple yet profound truth: We should Grow in Grace.
