Children of God, do you realize or think about who you are each day? If you do, then it should make for a good and fulfilling day. We belong to the family of God and share the same divine nature. We are living stones in one building and priests serving in one temple. We are citizens of heaven. Jesus is the source and center of this unity. If we center our attention and affection on Him, we will walk and work together. If we focus on ourselves, we will cause division. Christians are representatives of Jesus Christ to the world. When I think about what Peter is saying in 1 Peter 2:9, I am blessed for the position God has placed us. We have direct access and fellowship with God like a priest. It places a special kind of responsibility upon us. We don’t deserve the titles and are unworthy of them, but because He sent Jesus to make us right with God, we owe Him our life, to do as He pleases.

When you think of a royal family, they support the King or Queen in their many duties both state and national, as well as, carrying out important work in the area of public and charitable service; and they help strengthen national unity and stability. The royal families are open to hospitality, making sure others are comfortable. In the same way, we as followers of Christ support God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the work of winning souls to Christ, strengthening other believers, keeping unity, and maintaining stability in our Christian walk. We are salt and light to the world. We are Priest, a chosen people. a royal priesthood. What a privilege bestowed upon us. These titles are humbling to believers and prideful to the world.

When we realize how special God views us there is joy and an eagerness to love and obey His commands. We do this by exhibiting genuine love for all, by putting it into action, and by putting others before ourselves, selflessness. As Priest, we each have the responsibility to labor in our calling and to build the kingdom of God. This requires being well prepared to serve, (prayer, bible study), faith in action. “The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so there can be union with Him.” (John W. Ritenbaugh) Jesus accepts us just as we are—with all our annoying faults, attitudes, and issues. He continues to love us. Is this humbling enough for us to give the same love and respect to one another?

We have many blessings to enjoy if we trust God and obey Him. He will direct our paths into the blessings He has planned for us. We enjoy harmony with God. We have His providential care. He will protect our paths. Colossians 3:12-15 tells us that we are chosen by God, set apart for God, loved by God, and forgiven by God. Because of these precious gifts and gracious blessings we have responsibilities before God. We are special people. Let’s act like it, live like it, and love like it.