The city of Boise, Idaho estimates its annual cost for repairs due to vandalism at around $54,000. The Canadian province of British Columbia describes their vandalism costs as "in the tens of millions." Can you imagine what that number must be for the entire United States of America? With self-control and a fresh respect for the property of others, we could redirect a billion dollars into other worthy causes. People make things and then have to re-make them because of selfish, careless acts.
Our God is the Maker of heaven and earth. He is also their Re-Maker. Peter reminds us that the One who spoke the universe into place and formed this formless planet will one day have to demolish them and put new ones in their place. The sins of humanity have vandalized God's marvelous creation, and its re-making is also described as an act of judgment against the marring of evil. (v. 12,13)
As we stand in the midst of a sin-vandalized world destined for divine replacement, how ought we to conduct ourselves? What does life look like between the making and the re-making? For some, their lives as vandals will continue. They will continue to scoff at God, mock His truth and twist the Scriptures. They will deface the image of God and spray paint over the words of life, all to serve their own selfish desires. But those with self-control who respect the property of God will live differently. They will preserve and protect the sayings of the prophets and apostles and of the Lord Jesus Himself. (v. 2) They will live holy and godly lives (v.11) and pursue "peaceful lives that are pure and blameless." (v. 14) They will remain on guard and sure-footed as they traverse the rubble of vandalism. Between the making and the re-making, these will "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (v. 18)
And what will the Lord be doing in between His creative and re-creative work? He will be being patient for the sake of the vandals. "He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." (v. 9) "the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved." (v. 15)
May the time afforded by the patience of God be filled with His unaltered Word and unfettered Spirit. May it be filled with the exemplary lives of growing Christians drawing many to lay down the tools of their vandalism and in repentance, take up the cross of Christ.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, for your patience. Thank you for reserving your judgment for some time in the future so that many might turn from their selfishness and toward their Savior. Help me to be one of the pure and godly; one who can be used as a tool in Your patient renewal process.
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