You may be a person with a sense of drive and purpose, or you may be one of us who knows we have a purpose but can’t seem to find it. Whichever type of person you are, you have a universal calling by God, which is to know him and have a relationship with him that can only come through accepting Jesus Christ. So many have a deep hunger for something more…something fulfilling. I’ve often heard it described as a God shaped hole within us that only God can fill. In addition to the universal calling, once you accept Jesus and become a follower of Christ, you have a daily calling. You live in the world, but are not of the world; you are just traveling through. And on that journey you are to live out Christ’s example through your live so that others will see God in you by the way you live, the way you love, the way you forgive and by your integrity, motives and heart. But your calling cannot be lived out until you recognize who you are in Christ. Knowing what to do comes from knowing who you are.

Scripture – Mt 5:43-44; 1 Pt 2:9, 11-12, 15, 21-24, 3:9

Verses
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Pt 2:9) For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. (1 Pt 2:21) Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Pt 3:9)

Thought
Christians have been misunderstood through the ages. In Peter’s day, society addressed them with suspicion and fear, and persecuted them. Society thought Christians were incestuous because of their love for their brothers and sisters (in Christ), cannibals because of Holy Communion, and magicians because of the miracles that took place. Christians were struggling to live out their daily calling under the scrutiny of Nero and a misinformed society. Peter writes words of encouragement to remind them of who they are. They are chosen by God, a royal priesthood—ministers of God called to serve a lost and broken world, called to make a difference. He also reminds them that they are not alone in this, they are part of a holy nation, part of the Kingdom of God. Peter’s words ring true for us as Christ-followers in today’s world. We are not well-liked or respected in society. The world no longer views us as they did in Peter’s day, but, sadly, the stereotypical Christian is thought to be self-righteous, judgmental and intolerant, thanks to some so-called Christians who have spewed hatred and bigotry in the name of the Lord. Remember, no matter what comes, we are called to be different because of who we are. When we know who we are, we know what to do.

Questions
How can you show love to those whose morals and values fall far outside God’s Word? How do you address those who feel that failing to validate their values is failure to love them? What societal issue is most difficult for you to show love? How do you teach your children Godly values and still keep them safe in the climate of social issues surrounding us today? How are you doing with your daily calling?

Response
Pray for those you know who are lost, that they might accept their universal calling and come to know Christ.

Prayer – Dear Lord, give me strength to remember who I am when I find myself in a whirl of opposition regarding my beliefs as Christians. Keep me true to your word, standing strong, and yet may my life be a testimony to your grace and love given to me through Jesus’ sacrifice. May I share you in a way that causes others to listen and hear. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.