“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
I’ve read this verse a lot over the years… but today, it landed different. Almost in an uncomfortable way. Like it was looking straight at me and asking, “Do you understand? Do you actually believe this about yourself?”
“You are a chosen people…”
I don’t always feel chosen. Some days I feel like I’m just trying to keep up, trying not to mess things up, trying not to be a disappointment. But this scripture doesn’t say you might be or you could be, it just says you ARE.
Chosen.
That means God wasn’t guessing when He picked me. He wasn’t unsure. He saw everything, every flaw, every doubt, every failure, and still said, you’re mine.
But then, scripture takes us a step even further… “Royal priests… God’s very own possession…”. We BELONG to God!
That’s not just “I want you to know that you’re loved.” This is identity. This is purpose. This means my life actually carries weight, whether I choose to act like it or not. The result of which, resting on me.
But then, this hammer falls: “As a result, you can show others the goodness of God…”
So this isn’t just about me feeling secure or saved. It’s about what comes out of my life. It’s about how I treat people. It’s about whether someone else can actually see God through me. That’s where this whole text gets real.
Because I know all too well where I came from.
I know what it felt like to be in the dark, confused, searching, empty in ways I couldn’t understand or explain. And if God really pulled me out of this… if He actually brought me into something better… then what am I doing with all of that?
This verse doesn’t help me feel any more comfortable.
It reminds me that following Jesus isn’t just about believing the right things, it’s about living like I’ve been changed.
Not acting, genuinely living.
Because I have been called out of darkness, the reality of the question is… am I living like I’ve stepped into the light?
Some days, yes. Some days, I’m not sure. We all fall short, and that’s where grace fortunately abounds. The difference is that acting is temporary, momentary and unauthentic. And sure, there’s often good that can come of this performance, God can use anything. But living is a posture, a lifestyle, a consistency.
Am I though?? Living it? I sure want to be. I’m trying. I’m praying for it. I’m leaning into God for help with it.
It’s a moment by moment decision. Some moments I am triumphant over. Some, I am not.
God… will you look beyond the failures into my heart? Will you accept my repentance for times I fall short? Will you let me see people as you see them? Will you bind your heart to mine, allowing me to experience the passion and love that you have for others? Will you give me the focus, energy, boldness, and opportunities to promote your gospel fruitfully and selflessly?
Just…. This…. Please... let my life tell your whole story!! Help me to serve you only!! Everything, for the honor of your name…
~ Devin
Devin Osborne
