2 Peter 2:10-16

2 Peter 2:10-16
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

  Do you wonder how Peter really felt about these people?
  Here's the problem that Peter and the church is facing.  Let's say I try to start a movement of people who think I'm the coolest thing since someone combined peanut butter with jelly.  Now, imagine that I'm expecting these people to go out and spread the message about how cool I am, and the success of this movement depends on these people really convincing others of the truth of this matter.
  Now, if one person agrees to this plan, but then runs around telling everyone that my feet smell and I'm kind of nerdy, the whole thing could come crashing down.  The general public might be suspicious if the converts aren't in agreement.
  So Peter is greatly concerned about people who say they are part of the early church but are really just in it for themselves.  The effects of their actions ripple far beyond themselves, because they bring suspicion on the whole movement of the early church.  People wonder if the church is really worth it.  People wonder why they should join at all if they see people who say they believe but don't live like it.
  Some people may never darken the door of the church, but they will meet you.  What will they learn about the faith?  What kind of message do we convey through our words and deeds?  Do we tell the story of grace and love?  Do we share the good news of a Savior who seeks to rescue us?
  May we tell and share the good news of the Gospel with integrity.