1 Peter 2:6 (KJV)
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion
a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall
not be confounded.
This year our daughter was able to vote for the first time and found taking part in a presidential election to be an exciting experience! Every election consists of at least one candidate who is rejected and one who is chosen… Likewise, in spiritual matters concerning choice, Jesus Christ is often rejected by man, but wholly preferred by God. While unbelievers stumble at this Commander-in-Chief, believers unashamedly stand upon God’s elect with full assurance in their decision for Christ. It seems bizarre to look down on a supreme Delegate who our Creator deems precious, doesn’t it? Yet, in spite of God’s backing and a Bible full of unfailing promises, men and women still refuse to mark their ballots in favor of Jesus, thereby admitting their need for a Savior. Hence, they lose out on the most remarkable opportunity ever to live higher-quality lives…
Col. 3:12-17 (KJV)
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing
one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against
any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these
things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let
the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called
in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Since you have accepted Christ as your Savior, are you marked by Christ-like characteristics? Is there a respectable outward manifestation of your inward transformation? Are you bound to others who feel the same way about God’s elect? Does peace now rule in your heart? Are you doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, for God’s glory and honor? Are your works proper to those who have received the gift of eternal life? Do you live like you have a faithful leader? How many of the core features listed in the text above guide your life and service for the Lord? How diligent are you when it comes to carrying out the Christian duties to which you’ve been appointed as a child of God?
2 Peter 1:10 (KJV)
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
As with any campaign, it requires little effort to place a sign promoting your beliefs in your yard, put bumper stickers all over your car, sport a t-shirt with a catchy phrase, or wear a button with a particular logo or photo. BUT, being an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ requires more definitive activity than that! Ladies, our faith must be active and productive; we must cultivate qualities of true discipleship. Others must be certain of our affiliation with Jesus! Would you say that people are generally convinced or confused by your claims to being born again? Are you guilty of exhibiting a flip-flop set of values as a Christian? How do you expect to persuade others to decide on Jesus as their Savior if you can’t give a clear presentation of who He really is?? In this portion of scripture, God commands His children to give diligence to this heavenly campaign, making every effort to aid the undecided elector. Are you willing to work for the Lord and sway the spiritual polls with your holy and useful life, to cooperate with God so that lost souls (and even you!) don’t have to fall prey to apostate government?
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Remember, ladies, the Lord is always voting for man and the devil is always voting against him. Then the man himself votes and that breaks the tie… Every choice for good sets in motion other opportunities for good. Each decision you make to obey God’s Word will bring a greater sense of order to your life, while each decision to disobey will bring confusion and destruction. If people had to vote for or against Christianity based on your example, would you be able to gain a victory for the Lord or lose the election to the world?
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello
