God’s Special Possession
But
you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are
the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy.
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain
from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives
among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your
good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Submit
yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the
emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to
punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s
will that by doing good you should silence the
ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your
freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to
everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor
the emperor.
1 Peter 2:9-17
Do
you honor God at all times, even when you might be in a neighborhood with a
different religion? We are a “holy nation.” Live up to that.
We
are called to forgive in the face of cruel offenses. We are called to be
merciful, gracious, truthful, and loyal to our promises. Be as much like Him as
you can.
Wave
the flag of holiness as members of the “Jesus nation.”
Our loyalty to Jesus should be seen and heard in our lives.
Our Daily Bread –