2 Peter 3:14 “Therefore, dear friends, since you are waiting for these things, strive*~ to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence.”
Knowing how the story ends takes all the drama out of a book or movie. If “the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Pet 3:12), then it makes no sense to live for earthly things.
Who cares how much you own if it is all going to be burnt up?
Most Bible believers see the coming of Christ as imminent. “Since you are waiting for these things” sets the stage for the command: “immediately begin to strive [be diligent] to be found by Him in peace” (2 Pet 3:14a). Believers should not waste time with the temporary; instead, they should invest in the eternal purposes of God.
The phrase “urgently strive to be found [by Him],” or “do your best,” is a sobering reminder that our lives are being evaluated, and someday the Lord Jesus Himself will expose His verdict.
His omniscience misses nothing but “will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Cor 4:5). His objective is not to embarrass us but to praise us for everything He can. Our seriousness to please our Lord by our obedience to His word determines our faithfulness.
Peter mentions three areas of personal character development. The first is “peace.” This refers to the “peace” of mind from trusting in God’s word and the power of God in practical situations.
This peace requires focus: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6–-7).
The next two character traits come from living in light of the soon–appearing Christ, which motivates us to be “spotless and blameless, when [we] come into His presence.”
The character of the believer is to be “spotless,” meaning to “be of highest quality” and “blameless,” which is to be “innocent, or irreproachable.”
It requires diligence to say “no” to many temptations. The measure of your diligence is how frequently the thought of Christ’s imminent return gives you reason to resist sin and selfishness.
“Come soon, Lord Jesus. My heart yearns to be in Your presence forever. Keep me conscious of Your imminent return so I will keep my priorities fixed on Your word.”