Rather than allowing the fallen world to sweep us into default mode, let us seek God. This means that our experiences, whether on the “mountaintop” of a new revelation of Jesus, or in the wake of our blunders, can be used for the building of character.

In Peter’s personality, the pendulum between pride and desperation, ignorance of his faults and knowledge of those same faults, swung all the way to each extreme; first one way, and then the other. Jesus knows these things better than we do, by the way.

The goal of our great God is nothing short of a total transformation of our fallen nature into a nature centered upon the Source of never-ending life and genuine love. This transformation is what it means to be fit for heaven.

This new beginning is only the starting point of the restored relationship. It signifies an individual’s willingness to become a disciple of Christ. It includes laying aside one’s “right” to his own preferences, in faith that the Teacher’s instruction is in the best interest of His followers.

If you are offended or hurt by anything Jesus says, be assured that He does not encourage erroneous beliefs. Take comfort that He wants to free everyone from error. It is against His nature to tolerate thoughts or traits that will ultimately ruin a person.

In loving the Lord supremely, we are enabled to see others as He sees them. His confidence lay, not in the weakened and damaged character of individuals to “self-correct”, but in the power of what God’s imparted grace could do within each one.