What difference does it make?

February 18, 2009

2 Peter 1:3-4

“Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.”

Typical to an ancient letter such as this is that it would generally include a thanksgiving section at this point in the letter. This, however, is not a thanksgiving but it does serve the purpose of one. These verses begin a section known as the “exordium.” An exordium would have provided a connection between the writer and the audience to give a common ground of reference. These verses joined with those through verse 11 are like a little sermon that would have been much like the apostolic sermons of those early days of the church. The letter itself is written so that the church can be reminded of its heritage and tradition.

For this author, the Christian tradition is wrapped up in godliness, in being obedient to God’s will and in following a moral path that honors God. All of that must be rooted, however, in a personal relationship with Jesus and it is through that relationship that one is set apart from the negative characteristics of secular and worldly life. This letter is meant to be a testament to the value of salvation that God has given to Christians.

Which begs the question, what difference does a relationship with God make to you? If you choose to live a Christian life, what is the point of it for you? Is about going to church because your parents reared you that way (thus a habit, albeit a good one)? Is it because church is the place that you have been able to find your friends (so the spiritual side doesn’t matter so much)? Is it because you understand yourself as a spiritual being having a human experience? Is it because you find peace in a relationship with God? Is it because God is somehow a guide for your living? Maybe it has to do with the values of honest, purity, love and unselfishness that it calls you to strive for? Maybe it is just a stress coping mechanism? Maybe you are on a search for higher consciousness in life and God is a tool to get there. Maybe a relationship with God brings you joy? Maybe it gives you the sense that someone is always there for you as the only One who will never let you down. I’m full of questions and our answers will certainly all be different but I cannot help but wonder how you will respond. What difference does a relationship with God make to you? Why do you bother? Maybe in the answers we will all find a new found commitment. Amen.