Holiness #7 — Holy Identity

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

Contrary to modern American culture which says “What I do determines who I am,” Peter teaches us, “Who I am determines what I do;” in other words, “Calling governs conduct.” Peter will tell us this is not an easy lesson to learn. But we must learn it if we are to be successful in our Christian walk. If we are Christ’s we are sacred to God, set apart for a special purpose, namely to proclaim his holiness: the infinite, unexcelled and irreplaceable worth we have discovered in our relationship with him. This changes how we pursue our occupations. For example, if we are doctor-Christians, we must work to heal people not as an end, but as a means: to make them better able to pursue their experience of, and testimony to, the holiness of God. If we are teacher-Christians we must work to create an appreciation for our subject, because it reveals some specific aspect of God’s excellence. If we work in the service economy we must seek to reflect the joy of the One who “works for those who wait for him.”

Most Excellent God, how marvelous is the life you give to me! Thank you for opening my eyes to your glorious goodness through Jesus Christ. Make me bold to proclaim the truth of your holiness in my life today. Amen.