In going through the character list of 2 Peter 1:5-7, I thought self-control was tough. (And it is.) But this list doesn’t get any easier!

After self-control comes perseverance. If there is anything that doesn’t mark an American life very well (besides self-control) it’s perseverance. We just don’t stick to things very long. We tire easily. We can’t stand our cell phones for more than a year. Our computers need upgrading. Our TVs are out of date and out of touch and out of speed from one NFL season to the next. It’s a throwaway society. We throw away relationships quickly as well. Christians are no better at marriage commitment these days than non-Christians.

This list is tough. No wonder we don’t read 2 Peter! We may read it because it’s short and it helps us check off a Book of the Bible reading list, but we certainly miss the message of this letter! We ignore this opportunity for godliness and participating in the divine nature… why? Because it takes too long and I’ve got stuff to do!
It really doesn’t help that other cross references with perseverance have other nasty words attached to it. Romans 3:5f is a good example. Paul calls on his readers to glory in their suffering. How ridiculous! An American reading this? No wonder we’ve quit reading the Bible!

Suffering produces perseverance. Perseverance produces character. Character produces hope.

This list gives me a headache. I’m feeling queasy. Why is this stuff being required of me? I’m a good guy! I give a check every week to my church. Isn’t that enough? I sing the songs.

But now I’m being asked to persevere? To have some self-control? I need to go lie down until this feeling goes away!