October 1, 2018
1 Peter 1:3-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
As I have been reading the Word of God today, I have been pondering the word genuine. I think about the word genuine and the word real comes to mind. I prefer genuine solid wood furniture, genuine friendships, and genuine food without all kinds of preservatives and artificial ingredients. I want a genuine relationship with God and a genuine relationship with all of his creation. As I love the Lord my God with my whole being, I want to receive all God has for me knowing he is a rewarder for those who genuinely seek him. The Apostle Paul teaches that genuine Christians receive the gospel, they trust in him alone by laying down every idol, and serve God while waiting for Christ’s return.
The Apostle Peter tells us something similar in our passage today. If we want a genuine faith, then we will be tested by fire. The fire of God longs to burn up whatever is hazardous to our spirits; idols and lies that hold us back from being spiritually genuine. We must be willing to give over to God those things which have the potential to hinder our faith and ultimate salvation in the genuine love of God.