When we tell people we are Christians, it isn’t just something to say, it is also a lifestyle change. We have given up certain things for the sake of Christ and He has given us the strength to continue in His perfect will and not the flesh. And when Jesus’s blood covers us, we become God’s children. Being chosen by God is huge, especially when it means our salvation is now secure in the life to come. This is all because we have built our lives upon Jesus, who is the cornerstone of our faith and the church. In saying this, Paul wrote, “wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” (1 Peter 2:1-6) If you believe this, then what is spoken is also true in your life. By our fruits, people know us.
Peter also said, “unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 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 marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:7-10) Those who believe in Jesus also believe what is written in the Bible. He speaks to us through those words and in prayer. This time with God means more to us than anything else. However, those who are disobedient to Christ will never see it this way. These people stumble throughout life, while God’s people are kept in line by way of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’s holy priesthood governs us and molds us into the people we were always meant to be. We may have been a grievous sinner and never tasted of God’s mercy, but now we know He is so merciful to save a wretch like us. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that my life is a representation of my faith in You. I know that if I am simply doing my own things and not what You command, then my faith is dead. This cannot be, for I love You, Lord. I do not wish to remain in any sinful act. This would kill my relationship with You, which I fear the most. Surely, the most terrifying thing I can think of is dying and not being worthy to enter Your rest in heaven. If I willfully sin, this is on the back of my mind each time, of which brings me to my knees in prayer. Lord, I know that the enemy doesn’t want me to be with You in heaven, but to be with everyone else who is disobedient in hell and the lake of fire. Even as I pray, I know that there must be thousands of people dying and going to hell each day, from all across the globe. This really takes my breath away just thinking about this and the pains and torments they must be experiencing. For this reason, I pray that You will always hear my prayers and see my heart for You, God. I may not be perfect, but I wish to serve and do Your will as it is in heaven. If I am not being led by You, then I am alone and will never accomplish things that are meaningful in the next life. I need Your guidance and direction to be happy. Give me wisdom and fill me with the Holy Spirit. I believe in You. I trust in You. You are my God and I love You. Amen.