1st Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Last week we studied some of the peculiar aspects of the Christian’s life, as it pertains to the temporal, and now we must set our sights on the spiritual, so as to cultivate balanced perspectives. One reason why we began with the temporal, is because that is the area most readily seen and observed by those who are not yet believers.
As they observe with keen interest how God’s laws, principles and instructions are lived out in real time to the benefit of the believer, then they are led to inquire after the spiritual components, which drive the temporal.
Daniel and his companions were first tested in the temporal realm, on issues such as diets and foods, and how well they did in college. Then, after they’d passed the smell-test they were ready for inspection in all religious matters, because there is a very close symbioses between the temporal and the spiritual.
Again, the Chaldeans and princes over whom Daniel was promoted as president, had diligently inspected Daniel’s temporal matters first. They took a look at his taxes, his credit rating, and business deals. They took a long hard look at his mortgage payments, to see if he was paying late, and whether he was in arrears. But try as they might, they could not find anything to accuse him of.
Thus, in desperation, after suffering disappointment after disappointment they turned to his religion, the spiritual aspects of Daniel’s life, to see if there was a chink in the armor somewhere that they might have cause to bring some railing accusation against him. Let’s read:
Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5 Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
The same is true of the parable Jesus gave about the stewards who were entrusted with temporal issues first, to see how they would handle those; and only afterward, when The Lord did a thorough inspection on them, did He entrust them with greater matters, for the way one manages temporal matters reflects greatly, and directly on their spiritual state. Let’s read:
Matthew 25: 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Luke 16: 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Therefore, with the temporal matters under our belt let’s see what should be peculiar about you and me, in spiritual things, for as was stated before, the two are always closely intertwined.
[1] Peculiarity in character.
The Bible speaks of a peculiar character that should be greatly different from what we may often see on display in persons who have not yet accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Several integral aspects of the Christian’s character are clearly outlined in the following passages. Let’s read:
[1] 1st Peter 3: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
The Peculiar people of God are to form the habit of taking the high road whenever conflicts, arguments, and volatile situations arise. Even though humility is not stupidity, yet they are to track a different course in situations where wrongs are done to themselves. It all has to do with them cultivating that peculiarity of character as observed in Christ.
The way to overcome evil is by employing the royal laws and principles of God’s kingdom, which work as a counter current to divisiveness, and riot. After the nation of Israel is finished bombing the daylights out of Hamas, they would have to consider what’s next, because the seed sown by both peoples would bear commensurate fruit in the future, for sure.
After unleashing severe fire power on the Taliban in Afghanistan it was hoped that their doings would be curtailed. But lo and behold they are back in power, and we had to leave in a hurry, with the vivid images of desperate persons, clinging to the military aircraft in the sky, as they took off, indelibly etched into our memory.
And right here at home, as political parties go after each other’s throat, the inevitable result will only be more divisiveness, as can be seen in the turmoil and unsettled state of the nation. Things will never get better, because things cannot get better, if the low road is adopted into our psyche.
That’s because two wrongs do not make a right, and when you fight fire with fire, all you get is more fire. It will never work, because the Tit for Tat ways, and means adopted by the world could only produce the never-ending cycle of hatred, discord or retaliation.
For instance, if God had employed the use of deadly force in destroying satan, soon after he had rebelled in heaven, the other angels would have straightened up, but there would have remained that simmering, undercurrent of fear and animosity that would have certainly sprung up and bore fruit in other uprisings in the future.
On the contrary, when the Syrian king invaded Israel and sought to capture Elisha, the prophet chose the peculiar way of resolving tensions and conflicts, and instead of asking God to send fire, and brimstone on the army, he ordered thousands of M.R.E s, meals ready to eat for the invading soldiers.
And the results are before us so that none need err concerning the effectiveness of employing peculiar principles and royal laws as the ways and means of dissolving, or resolving volatile situations. What’s on display currently across the globe, and in our own backyard, are the natural and the inevitable results of taking the low road.
It’s fighting and more fighting, it’s war and more war as nations, individuals, and governments duke it out in retaliation for wrongs done. Israel is now fighting Hamas, America and Britain are fighting the Houthis and Russia, and Ukraine are going for each other’s jugular with no end in sight.
In the meantime, there is saber rattling between the Chinese and Taiwanese, and North Korea continues to threaten South Koreans, while various factions in Sudan are duking it out, and problems continuing to plague Haiti, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. The low road of Tit for Tat methods just isn’t working. It cannot!
In other words, when compared side by side, God’s ways and means, His principles, His instructions, and the laws which God instructs His peculiar people to adopt, are not only much more superior than tit for tat principles, but are also much more effective in bringing about the desired outcomes of peace and tranquility. Let’s read:
2nd Kings 6: 21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: would you smite those whom you hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So, the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
In our day, if Israel were to kindly treat their Hamas captives, by feeding them great food, treating their wounds, providing them with water, and medicines as they need, it’s quite possible, that like the Syrians in the days of Elisha, Hamas will come no more into the land of Israel.
That’s because the good seed of God’s kingdom, the peculiar way of resolving conflicts, the Royal way of treating one’s foes would have been employed, with the peculiar strategy of repaying evil with good used and thus, the inevitable results would surely follow, like clockwork. Let’s read:
James 3: 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
[D.A. pp 435] The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself may climb to a higher place.
[2] Peculiarity in work ethic.
Peculiarity in character also includes other aspects than repaying evil with good; it also encompasses one’s work ethic, since the bulk of one’s Christianity is manifested during the week, at the work place, in the home, and in one’s interactions with persons of all stripes. Let’s read:
Romans 12: 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
There is a desire or craving that the peculiar people must be very careful of, that of making a quick buck without earnest effort. In our day, the prospects of winning the lotto has had some trickle down effects on many minds, where individuals hope to get rich overnight, without any hard work and well directed effort.
This is a delusion and a fallacy that must now fully be addressed, for there is a greater chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lotto, especially here in the sunshine state. As every new day dawns with fresh opportunities, let the peculiar people of God be found working diligently with their hands or minds to provide for themselves and their families.
Work is honorable, and even if persons may not be where they want to be, they can always start with whatever is available, legal, and right. Joseph began his work career in prisons, managing dangerous and unruly criminals, and as he was found faithful in that which is least, God moved him up the Totem pole of success, until he became the 2nd highest in Egypt. Let’s read:
Psalms 105: 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant.
18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron.
19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.
20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance.
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 214] The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Joseph's care was not the result of a direct miracle; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with the divine blessing.
Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God, and even his idolatrous master accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity. But without steadfast, well-directed effort, however, success could never have been attained.
It is not God’s will that His peculiar people stay at home, twiddling thumbs, or counting sheep, while the days pass by without positive productions. God will grant opportunity, but success will depend to a large degree on those earnest efforts made by His people to do their very best wherever possible.
That is what Jesus did, by setting the example for all who will follow in His footsteps, for after doing His devotions early in the morning, He would set out to work in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph, and from there He would sell those products that were made with hammer and nails.
That’s what peculiar people do, for they are known to being diligent, hard workers in whatsoever line of employment they might find themselves. After their devotions they set about diligently to work everyday to work like hell.
In the process, they battle with elements of earth, wind, and fire, going out to work in blazing sun or in blinding rain and at times, like Paul they have fought with beasts at Ephesus so that when the day comes, it can be said of them, they fight like a lion, they eat like a horse, and they sleep like a baby.
Therefore, when the Sabbath comes around, that peculiar day of the week, that odd day that most in Christendom do not recognize, these peculiar folk are happy to be found at Church, because they have weathered the storms of life, and have survived to enter into God’s haven of rest.
Again, peculiar people should be known for reading the tea leaves correctly, for great changes are on the horizon, which should not catch us off guard. At the recent world Economic Forum, it was disclosed that Artificial Intelligence is scheduled to wipe out up to 40 % of jobs globally, and the layoffs have begun.
And especially with inflation taking a huge bite out of the family finances and with rents and mortgages going through the roof, it behooves every peculiar believer to buckle up their shoes, and work like they never worked before, lest persons sink down into despair and oblivion in a land of opportunity.
The temporal concerns of life are never to usurp the spiritual concerns, such as witnessing, and character building, however, God is very practical and down to earth in His instructions to His peculiar people. That is why we would find the apostle Paul working, and preaching, preaching and working to sustain himself in a noble manner.
In fact, as far as the sacred record goes, there is not one of the twelve Disciples, who were called, who were not gainfully employed. Matthew did his taxes, Peter, James, and John were all fishermen, and Luke tinkered with needles and bandages and even Judas had his own practice as an accountant.
But all of them were working, because work ethic is an integral part of any character building in peculiar people. This is set forth not merely as an option, but as a must, in those who are looking for the return of Christ in the near future. Let’s read:
Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, why stand you here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, go you also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Proverbs 6: 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when will thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travels and thy want as an armed man.
[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 359>360] Wherever we may be Christ bids us take up the duty that presents itself. If it is your work to till the soil, or to engage in any other trade or occupation, make a success of the present duty. Put your mind on what you are doing. In all your work represent Christ. Do as He would do in your place.
Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work will promote Christian growth. But many Christians are waiting for some great work to be brought to them.
Because they cannot find a place large enough to satisfy their ambition, they fail to perform faithfully the common duties of life. Day by day they let slip opportunities for showing their faithfulness to God. While they are waiting for some great work, life passes away, its purposes unfulfilled, its work unaccomplished.
[3] Peculiarity in destiny.
1st Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Peculiarity in destiny regulates, and has jurisdiction over everything downstream in the lives of peculiar people for it permeates all of their interactions with their fellowmen, it resolves conflicts, it grants hope where there would be only a dark abyss, leading to never land, and it gives us something to live for, and much more to look forward to.
When it came time to argue over real estate, as is so often the case with family members, and siblings, it was a no-brainer to Abraham, to surrender the first choice to Lot, in that which The Lord had promised to Abraham. That’s because a peculiarity in destiny makes it not worth the while to fuss and fight over perishables.
Since the peculiar people of God look beyond that which seen, to that which is eternal, it is not worth the time, the effort or the inevitable bad feelings to destroy relationships over houses and lands, for in a few short years we go to our resting place and leave all material things behind.
Abraham understood this, and since he was correct in his perspectives, and practice, he deferred to Lot, who at that time was obsessed with the things this world has to offer, and in the process, Lot lost all his material things, his wife, and his family. But with the peculiarity of destiny Abraham cultivated God could safely load him up with riches and material things.
Peculiarity in destiny allows God to safely bless His people, because their affections are not centered in this world, and therefore, material blessings would not pose any existential threat to their well being in the here and now, nor for the great hereafter. They do not have to take matters to judge Judy, in order to resolve their temporal conflicts. This is where some persons stumble, because they become so attached to their material things, to the point where letting go could trigger a family feud, if they had to defer to another materialistic relative. Let’s read:
Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herd-men of Abram's cattle and the herd-men of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herd-men and thy herd-men; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the
plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every- where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you come unto Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
Hebrews 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from where they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Peculiarity in destiny also affects our words and our actions, for it sits on the front burner of our minds, and as a result, our conversations with others would generally, and inevitably turn to the blessed hope. It is a fact, that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, and thus, our peculiarity in destiny is to color every word and action.
Soon and very soon, all the things of this world will grow strangely dim. There are troubling signs on the horizon, which disturb even the casual observer and the peculiar people of God who should know what’s coming are to lead the charge in carrying the final, everlasting gospel to a dying world.
No need to bury our heads in the sand anymore, for all of the prophecies pointing to the soon coming of Jesus are being fulfilled currently, even as we speak. Therefore, let the peculiar people, the Royal priest-hood, and the chosen generation, have meaning in our lives for the time is now, and the place is here.
We therefore end with passages of Scripture which should help to keep us all focused, doing all we can, whilst we can, to live soberly, and righteously in this generation, for it is by so doing, that persons would show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let’s read:
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
God Bless!