12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these thingsó even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.[a] 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,[b] 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. ó 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NLT) Important qualities Christians should embody are detailed throughout the New Testament. Earlier in the first chapter of 2 Peter, the apostle shared some of those. Then in the verses we are focused on today, he took things a little deeper. Here Peter notes that we will not live forever, but what we know about living a Christian life must be shared. What we have learned and experienced during our daily walk as Christians must not be kept secret but should be shared openly through intentional teaching. We canít assume others know and understand we must teach, lead, mentor, and share. Guiding others through their Christian walk is not a drive through window. We repeat things and reinforce them so they can be more easily remembered. Your time on earth is not unlimited. Pour into others while you can. Every day, every moment, every opportunity is priceless. The most effective way to make an impact on someoneís tomorrow is to have a positive spiritual influence on them today. Be persistent in reminding others of your salvation and calling to live a Christlike life through your words and interactions. Donít allow the enemy to trap you into thinking that as a Christian your only responsibility to make sure you are living right. He wants you to have an ìas long as Iím okay, then thatís what mattersî attitude. That is not Christlike in the least. In fact, it is selfish and is an affront to what Jesus did for everyone on the cross. Doing your own thing without regard to others is not ministry and is in fact abdicating the authority and responsibility God has given you as a Christian. Armed with kindness, patience, compassion, we must take the truth of the Word of God with us where we go, and share it in with every precious moment we have yet to live. While eternity lasts forever, our chance to make an impact for the Kingdom of God does not. Your contribution is important! As the body of Christ, all parts rely upon and need each other. Time is fleeting, be determined to use every moment of it well.
