Uncommonಮಾದರಿ

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9

As a country, we have certain expectations of the President. Although we may differ on what we believe the policies and priorities of the President should be, we all agree on how a President ought to conduct himself. We often look for a professional, diplomatic, articulate, and sophisticated person. Or how about a more day-to-day example - we all expect store clerks, servers, or business owners to conduct themselves in an attentive and well-mannered way. We expect this because of their position. With every position comes an expectation of how one should behave.

Having a relationship with Christ means you have a position. You are a Child of God, a co-heir with Christ. I would hope there would be a level of expectation from God on how we represent that position. Of course, we will never be perfect; that’s where grace comes in. But the Bible serves as a tool to communicate the expectation and instructions that come from being a Child of God. We should practice the honor of the position given to us. We are called to holiness. We should live in a way that reflects the position that has been conferred upon us.

The apostle Paul says, “It is because of Him (God the Father) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God; that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. No longer my eyes, heart, or opinions but His. As Christ's followers, anytime we settle for anything less than God, we turn away from holiness. The call to “Be holy as I am holy” is not a bunch of dos and don'ts. It’s an invitation to partner with the Holy Spirit and to do your best to represent the One who is Holy. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ. We are called to a much more excellent quality of character than the world has to offer.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some ways you are settling for less than what God offers?
2. Do you know what your position is because of Christ? Why or why not?
3. How are you using your position as a follower of Jesus? Responsibly or irresponsibly?