One of the things I love about being a Christian is that it’s all based on experience, that of others, and the things I’ve experienced myself.  Peter says it here “We did not follow cleverly devised myths... but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty” (v.16).

Reading stories, hearing stories, sharing experiences of what Jesus has done in our lives is what brings our belief to life.  We’re not following some myth - we are part of something that’s still alive and active today which is why it’s so important to share what God has done in our lives, no matter how small.  It will build up others, it will build yourself up and telling actual real-life stories is the best way to show others that what we believe is real. 

Sharing these things is one way to develop and grow your faith - yes  what Jesus did on the cross and how He saved us is important, but it’s also what He’s doing now. Peter says we need to add to that doing good - helping those around us, reading the Bible (or listening to teaching, or talking to each other), going through difficult times but remembering that Jesus is with us in it all and that God is good. Even if you’re going through a difficult time He then adds to that being part of a community.

Part of that is church, but it’s also your friends, homegroup or people you connect with and share life together - talking about God, supporting each other in prayer and other practical ways of meeting needs.  All that will build you up and make you effective.

Growing as a Christian isn’t just sitting down and reading, it’s about doing and living it out.

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Action:

Take some time this week to remember and write down what God has done for you or even those things you know he’s done for people you know.  Thank Him for it and be on the lookout for opportunities to tell people about it, and more importantly, look out for opportunities to connect with your Christian family, send a message, give them a call.  Grow in love.