Peter’s question in 2 Peter 3:11—”What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”—was not a rhetorical flourish. It was a pointed, urgent call to reflection. In the context, Peter is addressing the coming judgment and the end of the world. This sobering truth should move us to examine not only what we believe, but how we live. If the world is passing away, what kind of people should we be? The answer is not left to speculation. Scripture lays out the kind of character, conduct, and commitment that God desires. Let us consider what manner of persons we ought to be.
I. Steadfast Persons
To be steadfast is to be immovable, grounded, and constant in purpose. In Acts 2:42, the early church “was continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” They didn’t drift aimlessly. Paul described his own determination in Philippians 3:13–14: “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…” Steadfastness means not being tossed around by emotions or circumstances. It is daily choosing to follow Christ regardless of the winds that blow. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” A fruit tree that is moved weekly never bears fruit. Neither will a Christian who lacks stability.
II. Prayerful Persons
Prayer is not a last resort. It is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer is where we align our will with God’s, where we confess our weakness and find strength. Jesus modeled this dependence. In Luke 18:1, He spoke a parable to teach “that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.” Are we a praying people—or only when things get hard? Prayer must be constant, fervent, and sincere.
III. Forgiving Persons
Forgiveness is not an optional virtue; it is a command. Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tied our forgiveness directly to our willingness to forgive others. In Matthew 6:14–15, He said, “For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive your offenses.” Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, reconciles relationships, and honors the grace we’ve been shown. Are we harboring grudges? Forgiveness must replace resentment.
IV. Soul-Winning Persons
The heart of Christ was a soul-winning heart. He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). If we are to be like Him, we must carry that same concern. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The one who is wise saves lives.” Paul felt a deep urgency: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), and the early church obeyed it with boldness (Acts 8:4). Today, evangelism is often overlooked or left to a few. But every Christian is called to be a light and to bring others to Christ.
V. Happy Persons
The Christian life is not one of gloom. Philippians 4:4 instructs, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy is the fruit of a heart that knows it is loved, saved, and heaven-bound. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 echoes, “Rejoice always.” This doesn’t mean Christians ignore sorrow, but even in trials, they have a hope the world can’t steal. A gloomy Christian contradicts the message of grace. Are we radiating the joy of salvation—or has the world stolen our smile?
VI. Cooperative Persons
We are not lone disciples. Christianity is a community. Paul wrote, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Again in 2 Corinthians 6:1, “Working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Just as a body functions with many members, the church thrives through unity and cooperation. We need one another. Pride, selfishness, or isolationism have no place in the body of Christ. Are we striving together—or pulling apart?
VII. Sacrificial Persons
Romans 12:1 urges, “…present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christ gave everything. His people must follow that pattern. Whether it’s giving time, money, energy, or even our very lives—true Christianity costs something. Paul knew this firsthand. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Christianity is not convenient, but it is worth everything. What are we willing to sacrifice?
VIII. Exemplary Persons
We are meant to be seen. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Our lives should be sermons in motion. 1 Peter 3:1–2 speaks of spouses being won “without a word” by the behavior of their mates. James 2:18 says, “I will show you my faith by my works.” We are either drawing people to Christ or pushing them away. What do our lives say about our Lord?
Conclusion
In light of eternity, Peter’s question still echoes: What manner of persons ought you to be? The answer is clear. We ought to be steadfast, prayerful, forgiving, soul-winning, joyful, cooperative, sacrificial, and exemplary. These are not lofty ideals for a select few—they are the daily call of every disciple.
So, examine your heart. What kind of person are you becoming? The Lord is coming. Time is short. Heaven is real—and so is hell. “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).
The answer is not just a description. It’s a decision. What kind of person will you choose to be?
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