In his letter, Peter directs us how to proceed on this journey as a follower of Jesus; faith is an absolute must when walking the path to freedom in Christ. Through faith, we've given the ability to overcome and endure. As we grow in faith, there should be fruit to prove it. The end result will be full freedom from bondage of fear, shame, lies and spiritual blindness - but it's a process. It's a process, though, that we don't have to wait until heaven to begin to see results with. In order to begin and stay with the process, Peter emphasizes that we must stay awake.
What does it mean to stay awake? It obviously doesn't mean we should never let our flesh rest again. Verse nine fills us in. One who falls asleep "has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins." The result of such forgetfulness is no minor ordeal. It hinders our fruit-producing and causes us to become useless in terms of the mission we've been assigned.
So then, to stay awake requires intentionality to remember what's been done for us and to extend mercies like the ones that have been extended to us. We must reflect goodness, knowledge, self control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love. And all of those things describe who Jesus is and ways He loves us. He understands us and is generous enough to share His inheritance with us. And our actions toward others should reflect a heart like His.
Notice though, that Peter began this same letter by reminding the church who we are in Christ. I can't help but conclude that if we're going to finish the race, it's important to remember who we are in Him. Therefore, never forget that you are no longer who you once were; you've been redefined as a child of God. You have new abilities and a precious inheritance. Forgiveness has removed your shame and freedom is your destiny. Never forget that. Keep your spiritual eyes open and watch Him work. You'll never get bored.
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