Belonging to God's Family a 3-Day Devotional by Sue AfutuExemplo

A People Called Out

"Mom, I don't want a lunch coupon to buy my meal from the school cafeteria. I want to take a packed lunch to school just like my friends," my son said one morning. This sense of wanting to blend in instead of standing out is not just common with children but also with adults.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we are told that we are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, God's very possession so that we can show others the goodness of God who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.

As Christians, we have been called not to sit on the bench but to stand up and make a difference wherever we are. We are the salt of a decaying world and the light to a dying generation (Matthew 5:13-14).

God requires that we let our lights shine before others so they may see our good works and give Him glory. How does this play out in our everyday lives? This means that we must exhibit the fruits of the Holy Spirit, i.e., love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). This is the evidence of His presence in our lives.

The opening words of this chapter invite us to lay aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1). These traits should not be a part of us as God's treasured possession. However, this may be easier said than done. How do we evolve into who God wants us to be? One way to do this is to feast on God's Word so we may grow (1 Peter 2:2).

Reflection: What must you surrender to God to please Him more?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me yours. Help me yield to you so I can live a life that pleases you.