In the classic tale about “the boy who refused to grow up,” A.K.A. Peter Pan, we must look to ourselves. No, we can’t fly, nor can we duel with Captain Hook, but the comparison lies within the childlike nature of our hero. Peter liked adventure. When you were young did you imagine pirates invading your neighborhood? It was up to you to save the day! Peter’s “sword” is wooden. It’s all pretend.
In Peter Pan’s adventures with Wendy and her siblings, there isn’t any romantic interaction. He was in it for a swashbuckling adventure. Pajama or nightgown-clad girls or boys didn’t spark desires.
As life became more complicated with chores and responsibilities, your world changed. You wanted to mature, to grow up. You wanted to drive. You noticed that pretty, young girl in math class. The handsome young man in English class caught your eye. You stopped seeking childish, pretend-adventures. You wanted to become a mature young person.
That’s how the apostle Peter presents his message to Christians living in exile.
According to 2 Peter 1:4-11, “We must escape from the pollution (sin) that is in the world.” The following verses list character traits of mature Christians. Please read them in your personal Bible.
Peter says, “If you are doing these things then you will never fall away. In this way, you will get a warm welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (vs. 10-11).
Faithful Christians go to heaven. But the Christian faith is drifting away from God’s truths! Some churches don’t promote Godly living. If Christians don’t value God’s Word, then why should we expect it from those who don’t know God?
Churches are dwindling, spiritually and numerically. Many lack commitment to God’s will!
People claim to know God, yet they don’t mature. No amount of pew sitting weekin- and-week-out will get what you want from Jesus.
The apostle Peter emphasizes that maturing Christians enter heaven. Anything less is “Peter Pan religion!” Not caring to grow isn’t from the Lord!
Peter says, “If you have these qualities, and they are improving, then they will make you active and productive in fully knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord. But, if these are not part of someone…he is blind..has forgotten that he was made clean from his old sins” (vs. 89).
So many people want to “fly” into heaven someday, but aren’t applying God’s Word to their lives. They don’t want to grow spiritually. Why would anyone want an empty Peter Pan religion? Isn’t it time to incorporate these qualities into your faith?