Physical Evidence of a Spiritual Birth
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9 KJV
When a verse starts with BUT, it is important to pay attention to the words that have gone before. In this case, it is established that we have a choice of which Authority to submit to, with the eternal consequences of our choice made clear. However, an understanding of who you are, what God is making you to become, and the eternal gain to be made by choosing him, will help us make the right decision.
Check out the attributes highlighted above - a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people. If you are found in God, you belong to a special breed of people, who are chosen by him and set apart for his glory. Not just ourselves, but even the generation coming after us will benefit from our decision to follow Christ. We belong to a wonderful combination of kings and priests, with the inherent rights to enjoy the benefits of kings, and the access into God's presence that priests enjoy. We are seen as peculiar by the world, because we do not live as they do or talk as they do or relate as they do or prioritize as they do.
Why do you think God goes to such lengths to do all the above? It is because we are expected to showcase his power and might; we are to be reflectors of his awesome power. Our lives should show forth his grace and mercy, and lead others to praise and seek out the God that we serve. If my life is not pointing out the power if God, there is a problem. If my life is not leading others to praise God, then there is a problem. If my life does not reflect a crossing over from death to life, there is a problem.
Unfortunately, all these benefits may not reflect on the external. The world places so much stock on the outer and the external. The world would have us believe that perception is everything. However, what goes on inside you, is of greater eternal consequence than what goes on outside of you. If I get my ownership right, then I get my life and action right.
Who am I? Who lives inside me? What are my priorities? Am i reflecting God's power, might, grace, favour and life? Can people determine my ownership from the things I say or do? His time of favour is here.
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