I officiated a memorial service for Lois, a believer who followed hard after Jesus. One word that described her entire life was “service.” Not long before she died, her daughter-in-law took several of Lois’ great-grandchildren to visit her in a care facility. They became worried when she was not in her room and began searching for her. Finally, they found Lois at the end of a hall in her wheelchair, reading to a person who could not see.
In 2 Peter 1:5-7, the apostle listed several qualities every believer needs to possess. Virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love should be added to our faith. In today’s passage, he reminds us that these qualities need to be used and developed so that we will be effective and productive believers.
2 Peter 1:8-9
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
I was so encouraged to hear Lois’ family describe her life. She was effective and productive. She encountered many challenges in life and used them to strengthen her faith. She didn’t use the aging process as an excuse to sit idle; instead, she spent time demonstrating love and kindness to others. She didn’t waste her eighty-five years. May Lois serve as an example for us all.
Father, until you call us home, may we use every day to develop the qualities that make us productive and effective servants. Help us not waste one minute of our days on this earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
My wife Chris and i had the pleasure of attending the appreciation night Event. Thank you so much for including us, it was wonderful. we will help spreading the word with the Journey. Again thank you. Kevin