My wife, Martie, and I have grown to love Englandits history, culture, and people. One of our favorite activities when we visit is going to outdoor concerts (also known as proms) on the sloping lawns of ancient estates. The Last Night of the Proms event is the best, with fireworks and hundreds of nationals waving little British flags to rousing patriotic tunes.
We loved joining the celebrationuntil the summer our children came with us. When we started waving our flags with all the enthusiastic Brits, our kids were aghast. I can still hear them shouting over the music, What are you doing?! Youre Americans!
God must often feel like that when we blend in and live like the locals around us. I can almost hear Him saying, What are you doing living like that?! You belong to My nation!
Peter reminds us that we are different from the localswe are a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). Being holy means that we are unique, set apart for Jesus, becoming like Him, and reflecting His countercultural ways of living. It means that we are forgiving in the face of cruel offenses; and merciful, gracious, truthful, and loyal to our promises. It means being just like Him.
So lets start waving the flag of holiness as members of the Jesus nation!
Good evening Mayor and thank you for our Daily Bread! *hugs*