FRIDAY: CHOSEN FOR A DIFFERENT WAY OF LIFE
KEY PASSAGE
“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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
DEVOTIONAL
Did you know you have been chosen to be set apart? The word “Holy” means distinct, set apart, or removed from the masses. This does not necessarily mean outcast, but it does mean distinguishable.
For many of us, we can find it easy to want to blend in and settle for a faith that meshes well with society. However, Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. How are our minds renewed? By remembering what we have been called into and chosen for through Christ.
We are called and chosen to be light in the darkness, salt in a thirsty world, and hope in a hopeless culture. We are ultimately called and chosen to live set apart. We do this by not being against the world, but by being for the world. So much so that we invite others into a way of life that goes against the grain of culture and leads to true, abundant life: the way of Jesus.
Being chosen means being different.
Not different for the sake of superiority.
Not different in order to isolate ourselves.
But different in purpose, character, hope, and allegiance.
We no longer mirror the culture’s values. We forgive when bitterness feels justified. We pursue purity when compromise is easier. We live generously when selfishness is normal.
Ultimately, we are called, as a chosen people, to reflect God’s nature - set apart for His purpose.
CHALLENGE
REFLECT: Write down three declarations about who you are in Christ from this passage.
RETAIN: Pray this prayer: “Lord, would I be eager to cling to these truths every day, in every space, to be a light to all people.”
RESPOND: Notice moments where you can be bold in your faith this week. Share your testimony, pray for someone, redirect a conversation that may cause you to fall into the ways of the world, etc.