We can never lose sight of the spiritual nature of the church. Given all that we do, we cannot forget that we exist to serve God and God's people. Our main function is to worship God. It was something Peter was aware of given all that he saw and experienced. He knew the power of evil and how it comes against the power of God. The church that is not connected to God does not know how savage this evil can be, even within the settings of church life. Among them, Peter knows, are those who come as "teachers" but are not guided by the spiritual but instead by the carnal. Peter, in this version, calls it "lust" and "filthy existence." These so-called teachers refuse to seek the divine and instead prefer to be guided by what serves them best. God is taken out of the equation. Their mission becomes one of speaking against those who seek to serve God and share God's truth with those in need of hearing it. Peter says that even God's angels, whose power exceeds those of mortals, do not use their influence or power to influence anyone. Peter calls the false teachers "beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl." But the losers are they; for Peter knows who wins.
God shares with believers a spiritual gift of discernment; that which allows those who seek in prayer and other spiritual disciplines, to learn more about God. God helps us sense when someone is sharing something not of God. Seek to be those who seek and serve God, and you will be among those who "win" against evil in the end. Seek to support and nurture those with whom you work, especially those you know seek to bring honor and glory to God.
PRAYER: God of power and might, mercy and love, speak to my heart as I seek to honor and serve You. Speak wisdom through me and let me put myself aside to seek You and Your ways. Let me not fall for those who seek the disruption of God's unity in the church. I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
