1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
Today, let us reignite our passions for the divine realm, be
encouraged and uplifted through the recognition of our sacred calling. You have
been called out, called to forsake the trappings of the world, and to step into
His marvellous light.
Friends, whilst we are in the world, we are not of the
world. We have been called out of the darkness of worldly matters and into the
marvellous light of God. It is imperative to acknowledge that being called out
is not merely about physical separation from the world. Rather, we are called
to be spiritually separable, to consecrate ourselves for the Lord and His
Kingdom. We are called to maintain our Christian standards, not compromising on
our beliefs and values even when the world's noise tries to drown out our
faith.
Remember, beloved brethren, we do not conform to this world,
but we are transformed through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). We are
not to be engrossed in the transient material possessions or vain social status
that this world offers. Instead, we strive to gain heavenly riches and
cultivate an eternal relationship with our Creator.
The world may view our commitment to God as folly, our
devotion as weakness. But we know, through God's word, that our strength comes
from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121). And this strength guides
us - it guides us as we manoeuvre through the complex labyrinth of life.
So let us seek His Kingdom first, strive to do His will
above all, and we shall rest secure in His promise that everything else will be
added to us (Matthew 6:33). To be called out from the world is an honour - a
sanctified mission entrusted to us by our Lord. It may be strenuous as we
navigate through the world's pressures, but remember, Christ has overcome the
world (John 16:33). And as His followers, we too can share in His victory.
So let us soldier on, beloved brethren, confident in our
Divine calling. Let us shine our light in this world, reflecting God's glory.
Let us rejoice, for we have been called out of the world and into His
marvellous light.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we gather in Your holy presence today with
hearts filled with gratitude. We thank You for calling us out of the world and
into Your marvellous light, marking us as Your own. You have given us a
purpose, a mission, and a holy calling above the allure of worldly
desires and distractions, and for that, we stand in awe of Your grace and love.
Each day, we struggle with worldly temptations, endless
distractions, and the noise that attempts to divert our attention from You.
Yet, with Your guidance and strength, we strive to walk in faith, to reject the
allure of materialism and vanity. We seek to be a beacon of Your love
and the embody Your teachings, instead of conforming to the worldly
standards.
Lord, we confess our weaknesses, our moments of doubt and
fear when the world seems overwhelming, and our faith appears too small. But in
these times, we cling even tighter to Your promises, knowing that You who have
called us are faithful. Your promise is our lifeline, our comfort, our hope.
Help us, Lord, to live out our lives with purpose, to shine Your light in the darkest corners, and to echo Your love with every word and action. May we live not for ourselves, but for You, who called us, loved us, and saved us. Let us be the salt of the earth, spreading Your goodness and grace wherever we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.