I Already Have God’s Acceptance

In review of 1 Peter 2:9 it says, “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”

Bottom Line:

But you are chosen by God to be one of his special people, one who can tell of all the wonderful things he has done.

What this means to me:

I am chosen by God to be one of his special possessions. As a result I can show and tell others of the goodness of God and what he has done for me. For he called me out of the darkness and into his wonderful life and has taken care of me and blessed me abundantly.

Today's verse comes from 1 Peter chapter 2, where Peter tells us about becoming living stones for God's house. Peter explains that Christ is the living cornerstone of God's temple, rejected by people, but chosen by God for great honor. We are becoming living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. We are also his holy priests for we trust in him and will never be disgraced for it. The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone and the stone that makes people stumble and fall because they do not obey God's word. They will end up meeting the fate that was planned for them. But we are not like this, for we are chosen, royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, we can show others the goodness of God, for he called us out of the darkness into his wonderful life. Once we had no identity and mercy as a people, now we are God's people and we received his mercy. So we are warned as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against our very souls. We are to be careful how we live among our unbelieving neighbors. Then even if accused of doing wrong, they will see our honorable behavior, and give honor to God when he judges the world.

Acceptance is a very big deal not only to me, but to multitudes of others. We spend our lives trying to earn acceptance. The desire to be accepted even drives us to do all kinds of things, including influencing the kind of clothes we wear, the kind of cars we drive, the kind of homes we buy, and even the career we choose.

I know that the feeling of being accepted and as such, being chosen, does tremendous things for my own self-esteem. Today’s verse reminds me that matter what, “I am part of his chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV). Christ has accepted me and this is not based on my performance, something that I’ve earned, or something that I deserve. God simply said, “I chose you.” Christ has accepted me and the good news is that I didn’t have to earn it. As a part of God’s family, I have been accepted by God!

Today’s verse is another reminder that I don’t need to base my identity on a position or a job title.  The most important identity is that of one of his chosen people. As a result my life should be about showing and tell others of the goodness of God and what he has done for me.