“so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.”
2 Peter 1:15 NLT
Peter knew he was dying soon. Because of this, he intensified his resolve and strengthened his spirit to work hard. He thought of himself as a resource to the faith that should, as much as possible, continue on until such time as God had finished his work spreading the gospel. This is a model for old age in the body of Christ. Man of us cannot predict our own death but in modern times, we do often approach advanced years naturally and many organically reach this moment. Yet, our churches are filled with Christians who value, as they near their deaths, a simpler life. They value the ideal of retirement, luxury, convenience and ease. In many of their minds, their race has been won and their time is over. This is not the attitude of Peter. He knew that when he was gone from his mortal shell, the church would be left with of a piece of it missing. This is a difference in mentality for many Christians who do not view their participation with the body as dire or necessary. We must change this mentality for the sake of those we leave behind.