If we understand sin [unbelief] properly, we will confess that we all struggle with it and need the mercy of Almighty God and His transforming grace. There is no more condemnation in Christ Jesus…but He does call us to be transformed to His image (Romans 8:1; Romans 12:1-2). This world is fallen and sinful [it twists the Word of God and separates us from the Truth], and we were never created to live isolated from God.
We all have weaknesses and have fallen for the lies of Satan and the lure of our flesh. Therefore, we wander around looking for something that makes us feel like we belong and choose to settle in and get cozy. Instead of turning to God to reveal our identity and where we belong, we turn to the world and our fleshly desires for affirmation. We do this in many ways and through a variety of life experiences. Sadly, as human beings, we can seek comfort in numbers rather than run to God’s goodness from obedience to the Truth.
Because of Jesus and the adoption we have received from our heavenly Father, we are a part of God’s royal family. We live to honor the Lord’s rule over our lives and to worship His glorious Presence and Goodness!
1 Peter 2:9-12 NLT
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[priesthood] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
10
“Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”
11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world [day of His visitation].
Prayer: Father, thank You for affirming us as Your children and making us a part of Your family. Help us turn and share Your goodness with others. Thank You for seeing Jesus when You look at us, even when others reject us. We are covered by Love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.