ENOUGH

“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” 1 Peter 4:3

When we as followers of Christ experience the transforming power of salvation, we too often get stuck in the very early stages of discipleship and maturation. I know far too many believers who act more like unbelievers and far too many unbelievers who act more like believers. Our weakness and immorality is what fosters the rampant impression of hypocrisy that so often cripples our witness and credibility. I know we are not perfectly any means, but do we have to be so outwardly flawed? I know we are all “works in progress”, but far too many of us are “a real piece of work” more than we are making progress.

This verse reminds me that we need to put the past behind us (and not so many times). We need to separate ourselves from ungodly behaviors and the pagans, and brothers and sisters regrettably that tempt us and bring us down. Why is this so hard? I know we are weak and immature, but for a lifetime, a decade, or years and years? Believers who are saved (there is not another kind, you know) must grow up spiritually, which will affect how you behave. We all, including me, have something to learn here. Of course drunkenness and immorality, and crazy making have to go, but, so should idolatry in any form, including: egotism, materialism, dis-compassion, and mercilessness. We should choose to grow up and to mature. Peter did, I should, and so should you.

With conviction,
Pastor Fred

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