1 Peter 2:9

I love this verse. The first part of it is amazing all on its own. Look at it:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession..."

There's so much here in this to think about. Being a chosen race - taken out from the world, the nation of heaven, God's people. A royal priesthood - the King's children, co-heirs with the Great High Priest, Christ. A holy nation - set apart by God for His purposes. A people for His own possession - we belong to God, and He cares for us. It really is amazing.

What really hit me yesterday as I read this verse was the second half.

"that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. "

This is the reason why we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession - that we might proclaim His excellencies. We are saved to proclaim the glory of God. We are saved to further His works. We are saved so that we might take His light and shine it on the darkness of the world.

The verse doesn't go "that you may sit back, relax, let go and let God". It doesn't work like that. God saves us into responsibilities. We are to strive and put an effort into our lives. We are to pursue what is good and flee from what is evil. We are to put off the old self and put on the new. We are to train our minds and hearts to dwell upon holy things. We are to actively follow God. We're not to twiddle our thumbs and expect to be better Christians for it.

The verse also doesn't go "that you may do whatever you want, since you're forgiven". God will not be mocked by your continued sinfulness. If you, Christian, are dabbling in sin, take heed lest you fall. Your duty is to live in righteousness and holiness, forsaking sin and obeying the commands of God. If you love God, you will obey His commands. You will cast off unrighteousness and leave it behind. You will struggle and fight through temptations and trials.

Do you proclaim His excellencies?