For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins (2 Peter 1:8-9).

My forefathers came from Europe, in part, to escape the devastation of WW2 and build a better life for themselves and their children. Both sets of my grandparents came with eight children in tow. They did not come alone; many were immigrating from the Netherlands because Canada promised a future.

Some came with capital; others came with nothing but the shirts of their backs. They all set to work investing in this new country. They farmed and built businesses, often from scratch. Working for others, many moved up the corporate ladders, being creative, intelligent, industrious, and reliable. Many of these immigrants became successful at accumulating material goods.

Living here in the city of Hamilton, I see new immigrants coming. This country is still perceived to have opportunity for newcomers to build a future. And I truly hope it is--a haven full of opportunities for many people. But whether one came in the 1950s or are just arriving, there are no guarantees of success.

Building for financial success is not wrong. Many well-known biblical folks were wealthy: Abraham, David, Solomon, Job. They were not judged for their wealth. So, the questions I ask today, are not judgements: What are you building? What blueprints are you following? What materials are you using?

The Dutch immigrants of the 1950s generally improved their economic wellbeing. They also built church buildings and Christian schools. They developed political organizations and a labour union. All good work. But I wonder if Peter might have scratched his head a little questioning the emphases and motivations.

When we think of Christianity, we generally think of church buildings, well structured worship services, and committee meetings, hopefully short. Basically, things we have built, organized. When Peter thought of Christianity, he thought of participating in the divine nature, of adding to our faith, goodness, knowledge all the way down the list to love.

For many of us, Christianity is about what we do, what we do for God. For Peter, it was about what was received. God has given us everything we need for a godly life. We have been cleansed from our past sins and given an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). Peter reminds us that we have been given all the tools with instruction manuals; the Christian life is learning how to use them well.

Peter asks what blueprints we are using and what kinds of material. What are we building with our lives? Are we laying up treasures in heaven through faith, goodness, knowledge…agape? We cannot lose our inheritance, but why play in a sandbox when we have been given the entire beach. I wonder if our fractured churches and families are the result of poor priorities. What good is the accumulation of worldly wealth if it crowds out the much greater wealth of treasures in God’s kingdom? Peter asks us probing questions. Let us take the time to ponder them well, lest we be near-sighted and blind.

So, as you journey on:

Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Amen! (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).