Living a Peaceful Life

The Gift of Faith
Restorative Faith

Humble Faith

1 Peter 2:9-17  The Message

^9-10 But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

^11-12 Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

^13-17 Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

For Reflection

Government is God's way as is righteous God's way.  Our holy calling for priestly work is not the destruction of law and order, but rather, the perfection of law and order.  Our task is to make the unjust systems; just, to make the heartless; compassionate, to make the vengeful; forgiving, to live courageously, in humility, obedient to God.

Pray

that you will be prepared to accept a new life in the hollow of God's hand.  Pray that you will accept the opportunities to serve God.  Pray for the healing hand of God to comfort and guide you toward righteous living.