God’s Peculiar People
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light…” (I Peter 2:9).
I never objected to Paul’s use of the word peculiar when describing God’s children as stated in 1 Peter 2:9. We are peculiar.
“Well, that fits you, Diana,” some might say. “You used to macramé and make your own candles by pouring wax over ice and had purple hair and lived in Asheville! You were a hippy and still are kind of weird.”
OK, so I don’t fit some people’s Christian mold. But, back to First Peter and the word peculiar.
Let’s look at Webster’s definition:
Peculiar: Adjective
- Peculiar: characteristic of only one person, group, or thing: distinctive
- Different from the usual, or normal.
- Special, Odd, and Unusual
Peculiar: Noun
- Something exempt from ordinary
Extra-ordinary.
Extraordinary. I like that. But what makes Christ followers peculiar?
We Belong to God
When we acknowledge we are in need of a savior and accept Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for the penalty of our sin, we become children of God. And as His children, we are His “special” people—distinct from the usual or normal. And this means a lot of wonderful things.
Do you remember when public schools had different education classes for the “special” kids? Kids with a learning disability were grouped together and taught in a way that helped them learn. They were given access to teaching tools the other children were not.
Special Access
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have access to spiritual nourishment and wisdom that others do not have. And we share a core identity within the Body of Christ that spans cultural and ethnic divides.
Our greatest Benefit and Resource is God’s Word.
When the world loses its mind and fear threatens to envelop us, we must set our hearts and minds on Christ and God’s word. Hebrews 6:18 tells us it is impossible for God to lie. As believers we can believe God is who He says He is, and He can do what He says He can do.
I find great comfort during tough times knowing God is with me. “He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 6).”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Our True Enemy
In trying times, it is very important to remember who our true enemy is. It is hard when a longtime friend gets in your face and holds you responsible for the outcome of an election or the world’s chaos. It is difficult to respond with love when our character is assassinated or we witness horrific acts of violence against someone.
But it is in these very situations that we believers must remember: “… we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).
A spiritual battle is raging. Do not participate with the enemy.
When Peace is Disturbed
Our peace has been disturbed. Hatred of those with opposing views has escalated, and those in places of influence are pitting us against one another. Our faith community and our savior are being maligned in all forms of social media and public arenas. It is hard to know how to respond.
What should our stand be? When we turn to God’s word, we find our answer.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… (Matthew 5:34,35).
Jesus commands us in Luke 6:27-28 to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. Romans 12:14 and 1 Peter 3:9 instruct us not to repay evil with evil.
Pray for my enemy?
We want to follow God’s word, but this is a hard one. I admit in the past to wrestling this out with God before I learned how to pray for my enemies. First, I ask the Lord if there is any truth in what they are saying. If there is, I repent of my part in it and then ask God if I need to make amends with anyone or if I’m just to let it go. I find it helpful to talk things out with the Lord when I do not know what to do with my feelings. God already knows I am struggling; there is no need to hide it.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
As God’s peculiar people, we have the benefit of being able to ask the King of Kings to provide us with the wisdom we need.
Don’t Take it Personally
We need to understand the times. Holy Spirit reminded me of this recently and brought this scripture to mind.
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. “He who hates Me hates My Father also” (John 15:18-23 NASB).
Look out for the enemy’s trap. He baits us to take offense and to respond to injustice and hate with like venom.
God Will Guide Us
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
God told us that while we were on earth, we will have many trials and sorrows. But we are to take heart, because he has overcome the world (John 16). One day He will set everything right.
Our Supreme Purpose
I believe our supreme purpose is to know God and to make Him known. Isaiah 43:7 tells us we were created for God’s glory. In Ephesians 4:1, the apostle Paul implores us to live a life worthy of our calling (as God’s children). We are told to let our conversation be gracious and attractive (Colossians 4:6) and that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1,2 KJV).
Controlling our emotions, especially during times of conflict, is more easily done when we keep our purpose in mind.
To Sum This Up
In times of difficulty and persecution:
- Seek God’s help in scripture
- Pray and repent when needed
- Set a guard on your mouth
- Speak life into hopeless situations and into those who are lost.
- And above all else, love as Christ has loved us.
And remember, “We do not mourn as those without hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
If only we consistently loved as Christ loves us, how different our world would be.
Oh my, yes!
All of this is good advice. We need to be ready for what may come. Thanks!
Wisdom
Yes. I am grateful for the armor of God!
… and be peculiar!
I recall a time many years ago when all I wanted was to be normal. But Jesus showed me, to be like him, we don’t fit the status quo. No, we’re peculiar like he was! And… in peculiarity, we can change the world!
So true! Yes, and may it be so.
I’m so glad I’m in such great company, Diana! This is one of your many encouraging examples that leave me smiling. I especially appreciate the reminder about God’s supreme purpose for our lives. I always pray that He helps me fulfil His purpose in my life. I pray the same for you. Jesus gave Himself as our perfect, peculiar example . . . I totally agree, from one peculiar girlie to another.