In Deuteronomy 14:12, Israel is told that they are the children of God, that they are a holy people unto God and that the Lord has chosen them to be a peculiar people. We know that Israel of old enjoyed the favor and blessings of God beyond measure. We also know that Israel had the obligation to honor and obey the Lord, conducting themselves in such a way that God would be honored and exalted. Now, fast forward to the New Testament and read, yea study diligently, 2 Peter 2:9. Here we are told that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people. Do you see the resemblance between what was said of Israel and what is said of you and I? Just like Israel, we enjoy some marvelous blessings from God (2 Pet. 1:4, Col. 1:12-14, Matt. 6:24-34). It is only reasonable for the Lord to expect you and I to be the kind of people that will bring honor and glory to him (Matt. 5:16).
With that thought in mind, what manner of persons should we be? Let me begin by saying that we ought to be people who are determined to do what is right according to God's word whether it be in the spiritual realm or in our everyday secular life (1 Cor. 16:13, Acts 4:19, 5:29, 1 Thess. 5:22, 1 Tim. 5:22, Heb. 10:23, 1 Thess. 3:8). We ought to be people who will never compromise the truth or pervert it in any way (Col.1:6-9, 1 Tim. 4:11-15, 2 John 9). We ought to be people who are dependable, willing to accept our responsibilities (1 Cor. 15:58, 1 Thess. 5:14-22, Eph. 4:21-32, 2 Tim. 2:15, Heb. 10:24-25, Matt. 6:33, 2 Pet. 1:5-11). We ought to be people who are setting an example in commitment, work, giving, prayer, attendance, love for God, each other and our fellowman (1 Tim. 4:12, Mark 12:30, 1 John 4:7-12). We ought to be people who are enthusiastic, letting God have full possession of our life by yielding to him through letting his word fill our heart, mold our thoughts and guide our life (Rom. 12:1, Phil.4:4). What manner of person ought we to be? A most interesting question indeed and one that should command our attention.
We are a people for God's possession. There must ever be a difference between us and those of the world (2 Cor. 6:17). We must know and understand that we are either with the Lord or we are against the Lord. There is no middle ground (Matt. 6:24, 12:30).
Charles Hicks
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