Scripture Reading and Reflection: 1 Peter 1:1-12
God has given us the privilege of being born again. This is something I needed to be reminded of. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time may not often think about the amazing privilege we have to be followers of Christ. The longer we walk with Christ, the less we may appreciate the grace which delivered us from our former lives. As we live the Christian life, we may unknowingly take our salvation for granted, sometimes even treating God’s mercy with casual indifference.
Occasionally I meet wealthy or powerful people, and it’s refreshing to meet a person of privilege who understands what they have and uses their privilege with wisdom. We have a privilege far more valuable than money or title, we have a priceless inheritance, both in this life and in heaven, reserved for us, kept completely safe until the day we see it with our own eyes. Do we appreciate what we have? Do we live with ‘wonderful expectation’? Or, do we live from day to day with little sense of wonder and few expectations?
To be born again is more valuable than anything we know, much more valuable than material possessions. To be born again is to experience God’s mercy. To be born again is to know God’s favor. To be born again is to live with a secure hope. To be born again is to feel deep joy. To be born again is to grow strong through trials. To be born again is to love God and love others. To be born again is a privilege.
Our salvation is not something to take lightly. Each of us who are born again, know deep down that we have done nothing to earn the privilege of salvation. We have simply received God’s mercy as a gift. As Peter wrote in this letter, “The Father has chosen you, the Spirit has made you holy, and the blood of Jesus has cleansed you”.
Do we count our faith as a privilege, or do we take the salvation of our souls for granted? Do we consider it an honor to be born again or are we casual with God’s love and forgiveness? The scripture says, “the angels are eagerly watching”. What do they see in us?
So, how should we respond? Some will respond with the desire to serve God with more determination, to work harder for God than ever before. This is a natural response and often a way to express our gratitude, but for me, it’s not about doing more stuff. This is a matter of the heart.
If we truly understand the privilege of salvation it will change our heart. At the very core of everything we say and do will be an attitude of humility, thankfulness and deep trust in God. This is the essence of faith, faith that is strong and pure, faith that pleases God!
-DJS
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