Show and Tell

SHOW AND TELL
1 Peter 2:4-9
V. 9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Can people tell just by getting to know you that you are a child of God? Do they realize that you are chosen, set apart, and precious in His sight? Do you realize that many other people are your brothers and sisters in Christ (Mark 3:34)? We are family because: whoever believes Jesus is God’s Son, and has embraced Him as Lord over his life is a member of God’s family.

How can you tell?

It’s in their love for others and by their actions. Not everyone is a believer in Christ (See Neighbors devotion). Not everyone is a Christian. Not everyone who isn’t a Christian is bad. But when a person has faith in God and believes—sight unseen—that Jesus is God’s Son, actions speak louder than words.

The world is a stage. We’re the actors who perform by living out our lives. The stage is open for everyone, including God, to see. “Faith, by itself, when not accompanied by actions is dead.” That’s what James, Jesus’ brother, said in his book (James 2: 14, 17, 22). He also said, Faith and actions work hand in hand. And, works accomplished through faith makes faith perfect.

So, let me get this straight: 1. Faith isn’t enough. 2. Good works won’t get anyone to heaven. 3. Through faith, good works accomplish perfect faith. In John 15:12, Jesus, himself, gives us have another commandment. 4. “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you.” OK, this is how we know who are our brothers and sisters in Christ: when we see their love for each other and their good works.

Often people don’t talk about their faith because they are afraid of being ridiculed or rejected. “It’s a private matter” they claim. But, if you get a great birthday present do you tell others, or is that a private matter? Peter denied Christ because he was afraid of repercussions for being one of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 26:69-75). He forgot that Satan had to get God’s permission to tempt Jesus. The devil cannot do anything to us without God’s permission.

So of what are we afraid?

Take Home Nugget

Surely we are not afraid of mere men. God is at our right hand! When you get a great gift, you show it off and tell everyone about it. When someone asks you about your faith, show it off and talk about how you’re a child of the living God.

Living righteously brings hope to a dying world.

J. D. Griffith

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