1 Peter 2:9-12
I will never forget the best gift I ever got; it was from my wife. We are beginning our journey into foster care and she wanted to be an encouragement to me, so she put together a weekend trip to Atlanta to go to the celebration of Chipper Jones’ number retirement with the Braves. That included a luncheon with former players and coaches, including people like Hank Aaron and Bobby Cox, a special tour through Turner Field, and then tickets to the event and game that night. It was something she knew we’d never be able to do as parents and gave me something that I would never forget. There are gifts that can be life-changing and this was one of them for me. It certainly gave me a powerful reminder of how much of a gift Nita was to me – a gift from God!
We are in our series on reflecting Jesus to this world. His pours His light in us for us to pour it out for all to see. Over the last few weeks we’ve talked about where to get your fuel from (DEPENDENCY) and how important it is to work together (DELIGHT). The third value is DEDICATION to Community – we need to be God’s gift to this world. Remember the detail of the lampstand with one sheet of hammered gold? You are that work and God wants you to reflect brilliantly, because He is giving you to the people of this world for their hope. You are the gift God gives the world for good!
You Don’t Own Your Life
In a marriage, when two people become one, they abandon all rights to their solo identity and body, instead choosing to live life as a set; contained in two bodies, but united as one. Married couples retain no rights to themselves but are effectively owned by the other person. This is why married partners are not to withhold themselves from each other or keep things separated from each other. This is the illustration God uses most to describe our relationship with Him. It’s a marriage. With Christ’s death and resurrection, He paid the price to purchase us away from wrath (1 Cor 6:20) to be a possession of His own. He committed Himself to us by paying the penalty we owed and we commit ourselves to Him by taking His offer of forgiveness. A marriage. Illustrated in Revelation by a giant wedding supper! As believers, and as the bride in God’s marriage illustration, we have no rights to ourselves, but are fully and completely united to God in His security—as His possession. What’s the bottom line here? You are not your own but are God’s possession. Like me with Nita and her with me. I don’t have the freedom to run around on her or be with anyone else; I gave up that right to be united with her. This is why marriage is not just permanent boyfriend status – it changes a person.
God Sets You Apart to Be Different
We are no longer who we were, but are now something different, something better, something that can replicate. Marriage has a purpose that includes reproduction. Our marriage to God includes the purpose of reproduction as well: witnessing to His grace throughout the world. This is why God sets us apart. Let me explain. I ride my bike a lot and have some specialty equipment, like clothes that I only wear while biking – padded shorts for comfort, helmet for safety, and baggy shirts to create drag and add to the workout. I don’t wear those at the church or while I am taking my family out to dinner. Those clothes are set apart for a specific purpose and they do a great job. You are no longer in possession of yourself but are part of God’s people; called out with mercy to live a life that looks different. This is the work of sanctification in us; He changes us to be more like Him to make us better representations of Him to the world.
Your Life is Not About You
This is where righteousness becomes important. We are supposed to look different; not in order to be saved, but because we are God’s example to the world that life can be better, that God’s adventure is worth it! This is why we walk the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and give another coat (Matt 5:40). When we live as His, we need only Him and can do what He asks to reach others. Different stands out – we are set apart; looking different so the world takes notice. God wants others to see you so that they can see His goodness in you. This is the point of the city on a hill passage I refer to all the time (Matt 5:14-16). I had a friend from high school who got annoyed because she saw me as different and wanted to know why. She finally had enough and asked me why I acted so differently. Your life is not to be about you, but about God. As His witness, you represent Him to WHOMEVER HE PUTS YOU IN FRONT OF. Our good works show ALL the world that He loves them and has good for them too!
Next Steps
You are the gift God gives the world for good! When we live out our faith in public through our actions: kindness, generosity, hospitality, and righteous living, we show people the goodness and holiness of God, giving them the opportunity to choose Him for themselves.
- Join an activity or organization that gives you opportunity to live your faith publicly.
- Practice holy living at home, to live out public.
- Communicate with others that shows God’s grace to them (be wary of jokes, comments, favoritism).
A gift is meant to be seen and God wants to show you off! Remember, your faith is personal, but not private. You are God’s gift to this world – show it!
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