A 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.” (I Peter 2:9-10 NIV)

I have known a lot of students over the years that, despite being very gifted, intelligent, and having great personalities, have had a very low view of themselves.  Despite all the evidence, they don’t see anything special about who they are.  

I sometimes see the same thing in those who claim to be followers of Jesus.  Though they are “chosen,” have “royal” ties, are citizens of a “holy nation,” and a “special possession” of the Creator, it is often difficult to distinguish them from anyone else because they don’t view themselves any differently.

Peter was writing to people who were a minority in the midst of a majority of unbelievers, just like we are today.  He was seeking to remind them they were different and to encourage them to live their lives differently than the majority around them.  It is easy for our identity to be swallowed up when we are surrounded by people who believe and live differently than we do.  This is why so many college students forsake living out the faith with which they were raised.

Yet, as Peter knew, when we fully realize who we are in Christ, it is easier to embrace the life that runs contrary to the world.  When we understand our special standing, we are motivated to declare the praises of the One who loves us and shows us mercy.  And then, in the midst of the darkness, His wonderful light shines brightly through us, attracting those in the darkness whose hearts are open to His love and mercy.  

Today, recognize that in Christ, you are a special possession of the Lord and that He wants His light to shine brightly through you so that others may know, too, how special they are.

© Jim Musser 2016