In speaking to God's elect--scattered throughout the world--Peter calls them a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God" (I Peter 2:9 NIV).
Peter acknowledges they probably don't feel much like royalty because of the times in which they live. In fact, he says, that their joy in belonging to the Lord may be tested because:
" . . . for a little while you may have had to
suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that your faith--
of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by fire--
may be proved genuine and may result in
praise, glory and honor
when Jesus Christ is revealed."
~I Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
Even though the early Christians lived, as do we, in perilous times of temptation, Peter explains the purpose for that--"That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (verse 9).
So let's not complain because of the corruption in the world! Let's see that as our chance to shine!
And remember--we're royalty, right? The crown of life awaits us:
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:
for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,
which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
~James 1:12 (KJV)
The crown of life is waiting for those who love God.
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