“But you are a chosen generation (peculiar people), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.—1 Peter 2:9-12
One of the most important things that we can do as Christians is to be true to our faith. Charley Elgin’s Rule 4 – the Darker the night the Brighter the light. The Chief end of man is to ‘Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The New Testament is replete with admonitions to Christians to resist the old nature – to not compromise with it – accepting just a little bit – as OK. All of that serves to dim our light. I say this as an admonition not as a criticism. What is true for you is true for me – true for every Believer. The majority of people that you pass by everyday are not Christians – put in another way – are lost and bound for hell. Our culture, in general, promotes or, at minimum, tolerates what they know to not be right. It is as if a door was opened in this country – but that is not what happened. Instead it is more like the frog in the pot. I have been watching the trend for some years now. It starts with just a little bit and then a little bit more – until the water is boiling and the frog who was comfortable and adapting to the new temperature is cooked. That is what Peter was warning the people about. It was a problem then and it is a problem now. Like Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Martie and I were watching a documentary about Calamity Jane. She had a daughter – I didn’t know that. I thought she all she did was ride through the West shooting her revolvers! Track what I am about to say. She got pregnant and got married so the baby would have a legitimate father. Think about that reasoning. She did not fear God – she feared what people would think. There was not mention of remorse over how the baby was conceived – just a desire to cover it up. The Bible says that we should not fear what men may think but what God “does” think. (Matthew 10:28) That is a problem for all of us. As Christians our tolerance of behavior that the Bible says is clearly contrary to the will and intent of God is constantly tested – by our old nature – specifically our desire to be embraced by our culture – and more specifically by those we care about who may not share our faith. We all learned from our youth that it is not good to be different from everyone else – it brought on rejection and ridicule. I always found it amazing at how quickly others would join in. For two possible reasons – they agreed with the crowd – or they didn’t want the same thing to happen to them.
“And I [Paul], brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” – 2 Corinthians 3:1-3
I am speaking to you as spiritual people. If you were not – you would not be reading this devotion. There are plenty of other things ready to grab your attention – every day. My hope is that you will see what is happening in the world with Spiritual eyes and understanding. That you will see what is happening in our culture – your culture – since there are those reading this who do not live in the United States – is spiritual. To understand that as Christians – ambassadors for Christ – sojourners – citizens of heaven first and foremost – witnesses – faithful children – bright lights. We must resist the temptation to relax in the pot with the rest of the frogs. As Salt and Light – we are called to be a peculiar people – a holy nation – I don’t understand all of the dynamics – but my part – your part is clear – to be a living testimony to God’s grace and mercy and life changing power. To live and love in the context of that truth. Oh – and don’t expect the world – in general – to thank you for it.
Walk by faith. Be willing to let your light Shine Bright my friend and give God the glory He is due.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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