The first verse can send a shiver down most of our backs when we realize we are guilty. “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” It’s this same evil behavior that breaks down friendships, families, and especially our relationship with God. We’re all guilty and need to be cleansed. I’ve often said I’m glad Jesus must have a big eraser because he washes away our sins.
Peter is “spot on” with his counsel about life. Verse 5 is a doozy. “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” It’s not often that we think of ourselves in terms of “living stones” or “holy priests.” At least I don’t. But Peter calls us out as being just that!
God is using us stones to build His Kingdom. How does that make you feel? Maybe terrified and underqualified, but at the same time exhilarated and curious. How will God use each of us? Maybe you already sense that what you are doing is honoring God while drawing others to Him. That’s building his Kingdom. I hope to draw people “back” to God after maybe taking a detour in life or something.
Peter is clear to call out what happens to those who go their own way. He says, “They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.” We all fall short of God’s perfect design, even when we try to do our best. We are all bound for doom unless we claim that Jesus has paid our debt. In our last reading, Jesus’ perfect life is the ransom God paid for us.
The desires of our hearts, or what we crave, speak to our character. God wants us to desire a relationship with Him. His Word will give us the “spiritual milk” we thirst after. In our obedience, God will bestow all the blessings He holds for us, His children. When we first start to believe, we are hungry to know more. It seems the more we know, the more knowledge and understanding we are given. It’s like a well of truth and grace that never runs dry.
One way we can honor God is given to us by Peter right here: “you can show others the goodness of God.” That’s your testimony of how God has worked in your life. The lyrics of the well-known anthem “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music are powerful and describe how we seek a God who is watching over us. I love CeCe Winans’ recording.
The lyrics of the chorus are a great place to start with that testimony. Talk about how God has always been faithful and how he’s shown up in your life with good things. With every breath that God gives us, we should be talking about His goodness.
Let’s pray. God, you are good, and your mercies endure forever. My heart sings with thankfulness and praise for the price you paid for me. I do hunger for more of you. The closer I get, the more you reveal. I pray for others to realize they desire you, too. Use me in whatever ways possible to be your hands and feet, Jesus. In your precious name, Amen.
