I Peter 2:9 ” But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

The King James Version uses the word “peculiar” in place of “chosen” in this verse. That’s because the definition back then was not “odd or strange”, but rather “belonging exclusively to”. As Believers, we belong to God…we are His possession…set apart and uniquely His…redeemed and called to live holy lives that reflect Him to others. So in a world where chaos & evil seems to surround us on a daily basis, how can we do this? We can start by shining more light than darkness.(Matthew 5:16) We can speak more faith than fear. (I Corinthians 16:13) And we can declare more hope than despair. (Psalm 71:8 & Psalm 62:5) For when we intentionally reflect God’s character to others, His love and goodness will shine forth into the darkness like a beacon. (II Peter 1:9 & Proverbs 13:9)