Why Holy Matters
Entangled Again

Scripture Reading:  2 Peter 3:1-7

Key Verse:  2 Peter 2:20

 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

Before we opened our hearts to Jesus, we were entangled in sin.  It had us bound and chained to the sinful patterns of this world.  When we accepted the claims of Christ, our chains fell off and we were free to live a life of abundance in Him.

            Peter reminds us that it is possible to be “entangled again” and overcome by the sinful temptations of this world.  He reminds us in our printed key verse for today that when that happens, that person is worse off at the end than they were at the beginning (verse 20).  Peter does not back off, he continues his teaching that this condition is like a “dog that returns to its vomit” and “a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud” (verse 22).

            Why does holiness matter?  Because without holiness we get sucked into the traps of the evil one.  We must pursue the holy life, purifying our lives from the sin that so easily entangles us.  We must never let down our guard.  We must be on guard, continually.  Since the battles go on daily, our disciplines must be a daily practice.  Do you pray to start your day?  Do you have a place and time—each day—to meet with God?  Do you take a few moments each day to read some scriptures?  Are you faithful in taking in spiritual input to strengthen your life every day? You know the way of righteousness.  Never ignore its call! (verse 21).

Father, help me not to get lazy in my walk with you!  Please remind me to spend time with you and your Word.  I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.