2 Peter 1:4 “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Last week my mind meandered down memory lane as I spoke with an elderly gentleman on the phone. He had called our office about a business matter, but in conversation I found out he lived near my old stomping grounds. Having been gone from my New Jersey roots for 21 years, I savored the reminiscences of places and people that I have not seen for many years.
Growing up in the suburbs of New York City, one of my regular and favorite sights was always the New York City skyline. From the time I was a little girl I would pick out the Empire State Building and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center every week on our way to church.
As my unexpected chat with my new friend continued, we spoke about a fantastic restaurant that we had both visited numerous times at the very top of the North Tower.
This amazing restaurant, Windows on the World, situated on the 106th and 107th floors of Tower One, was surrounded by glass and allowed the formal diners to look out over the Manhattan skyline. As we spoke I could picture in my mind’s eye the dazzling lights shining out from the “city that never sleeps.”
So many years later I still feel the dizziness of standing near the glass. I also still hear a question that my mind posed during that awesome experience. Beneath all the dazzle and glitter of this huge city, what kind of evil is lurking? How many murders and rapes are taking place even now as I stand watching from above?
From the Windows on the World, the windows of my soul looked out with pity on a place where even an innocent jogger could not run unmolested through Central Park, and where gangs gathered daily to shoot drugs and each other. Alcoholism, addiction, greed, abuse, and seduction – it was all there tucked away in the shadows of the Big Apple.
How does one escape all the corruption that is hidden beneath sparkling lights, finely suited men, and beautifully dressed women? First, you need to recognize it is there.
Don’t be deceived by all that the world holds out as desirable. God’s divine power has given us all we need for life and godliness. We receive this through the knowledge of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who has called us by His own glory and goodness. It is “through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (v. 4).
Second, “make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (vv. 5-7). These things will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As my nostalgic conversation came to a close and my mind descended back down the many stories of a building long gone in a brutal 9/11 enemy attack, I realized there was still an opportunity to view the world around me with a perception only given by the God who sees all.
When looking through your “windows on the world” make sure you see beyond the bright shining lights. Allow the knowledge of Christ and His power to illuminate the truth.
Love,
Mama