Verse

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

-- 2 Peter 3:10-11

Reflection

This passage in Peter shows up nicely an idea that has been raised many times by Christ before, that the true value of a man is measured not by what he has, but by what he may do without. When all is burned up, when all possessions and vainglories are dissolved, when all but our body remains, who amongst us can truly claim to be able find comfort only in God? Who amongst us, could claim still, to be able to stand before the Lord, thankful and glad? The question thrown up by Peter is not a command to cast off our worldly goods and comfort, but rather it is a challenge to Christians, to challenge us to look within ourselves and ask who we truly are, and what is truly necessary in front of our Lord.

Prayer

Lord I stand before you, cleansed of all possessions. Naked I pray Lord, that my soul still remains pure and worthy of your paradise. Show me strength in your mercy, and trust in your word as the only everlasting truth into the beyond. Have faith in me, as I continue to long for thee beyond all earthly effects, riches and property. I ask this in the name of our Lord who art in Heaven, Amen.