The phrase is a familiar one. It actually comes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The lead character is considering life with its troubles and pain but acknowledging the alternative might be worse. And so Prince Hamlet begins a lengthy speech with the quote, “To be or not to be, that is the question.”
The word be is but two letters long but it carries so much meaning.
Peter has always been one of my favorite apostles. It was he to whom the Lord gave the keys of the kingdom. Peter was the one who walked on water. Peter was the one who after denying the Christ, wept bitterly and repented. Peter was the one to whom the Lord said would die a death that would glorify GOD.
Yet of the 27 books of the New Testament, Peter was chosen to pen only two letters. Both of these were written much later in life and reflect a man who had grown from the impetuous outspoken man of his younger days to the aged Apostle of hope and encouragement.
Last words are significant. Peter’s last book is a short book of only 61 verses. In those verses are several “be” verses, wherein Peter encourages us to “be” faithful. Let us study a few of these “be” verses and note the progressive nature in which they are found.
2 Peter 3:2 – be mindful of the words
The verse is encouraging us to remember or recall something of importance, namely, the words spoken by the prophets and the apostles of Christ.
2 Peter 3:11 – be in holy conduct
Following the exhortation to be mindful of the words of Scripture, we are encouraged to translate that into action. It should encourage us to live a life of holiness and godliness.
2 Peter 3:14 – be diligent
The word diligent carries the idea of effort, to labor, to study, to endeavor. The thought is that life will at times be challenging. Remain in the word and true to your life of holiness.
2 Peter 3:17 – beware
Peter’s final words remind us that it is possible to fall from your own steadfastness being led away into error. The antidote or safeguard against this fall is to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. This seems to carry us back to the idea of being mindful of the words.
To be or not to be. I hope you will be faithful to Him.