Friday, November 29, 2024

Chosen People Choosing Rightly

"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

I was driving in a small town in Alabama and missed my turn so I made a U-turn. It was a divided boulevard. I did it safely.  There were no signs posted saying not to make a U-turn there. But ... the next thing I saw were flashing lights in my rear-view window. The officer told me that I had made an illegal turn. I explained there was no sign telling me I couldn't to which he replied, "We have a statute in this town that does not allow any U-turns anywhere unless posted that they are allowed." He gave me a warning and let me go without a ticket, although ignorance is not an excuse.

The day we yielded our lives by faith to God, we became citizens of heaven. Yet Jesus, when tested, said give to Caesar what is his and to God what is His. (paraphrased) And if there is a conflict then we must obey the higher authority. Which is God.  Knowing there may be consequences from the lower authority - that being Caesar.  

The conflicts we will face will most often be with morality - not rules of the road. We must be willing to stand our ground and to be the light. Remembering that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the natural man.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone 


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