As Christ-followers, children of God, we are called to be peculiar people. In fact, 1 Peter 2:9 tells us “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”. What does peculiar mean? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “characteristic of only one person, group, or thing: distinctive, special identity; different from the usual or normal: particular, unusual, uncommon, unique. Further, Peculiar comes from Latin peculiaris, an adjective meaning "privately owned". Again, being peculiar is part of the identity of the devoted follower of Jesus (not saying to be weird for the sake of being weird).
As I am sure everyone knows by now, the world seems to be shaken with panic, fear and turmoil. Human nature is predisposed to display in times of crisis these different reactions. And as one who is finishing up my degree in crisis counseling, I understand, criticism of those who may be experiencing these reactions isn’t the appropriate or even Biblical response from those who follow Christ. But what do we have to offer? What is the chosen, peculiar response for those who are in Christ Jesus? Well, let’s look back at the verse from 1 Peter. Clearly, the first and most important implication of the verse is that we are chosen to “show forth the praises of Him”. We must point the world to the Lord…How? By praising and exalting Him always. “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell (the world) of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together” (Psalms 34:1-3). In a time of crisis, to be in a state of praise unto our God probably would seem peculiar to the world; and yet, it is supernaturally empowered to affect atmospheres to help us and others be strengthened and encouraged.
Next, the world is in darkness. They can’t find their way. They are confused and fearful…most not even fully realizing this condition. But God has called us out of darkness, into His light. Jesus speaking….”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Additionally, the scriptures tell us “you are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16). Jesus is the light of the world, and as His family, we are chosen to be the light in the darkness of the world. What do the features of His light look like? What do we have to offer?
First, “In His name will be the hope of all the world” (Matt 12:21). Confidently, pointing people to Jesus, is where we all find hope. Hope is what anchors our souls, provides equilibrium and stability (Heb. 6:19) ….and He is that hope!! Now, being hopeful, in times of crisis may seem odd, but remember we are called to be peculiar…distinctive. We hope not in the things of the world, but in Him and His redeeming love. Second, we operate in faith….in how we talk, act and carry on with our lives. Again, Jesus speaking saying” have faith in God…whenever you pray believe (that He hears us)” (Mark 11:22). The Bible also declares “for by grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). Further, “for nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Living this kind of faith-filled life is peculiar, but we are chosen for this. Next, His light looks like love. John 13:25 states “by this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” And yes, show strangers love (Heb. 13:2). The propensity of human nature is to ultimately care only for ones’ self. And yet, we are called to be peculiar and love as He has loved us (John 13:34). We have the opportunity to show love in different ways, through acts of service, conversations of hope and being available to pray with those who are hurting. God works mightily through love (John 3:16) and love is the greatest of all. In this current crisis event, God has chosen us for such a time as this, to represent Him as His family to a world in suffering and to be set apart as a peculiar people. To be sure, this is what we were created for.
Other words of advice are……use wisdom. He gives us the spirit of wisdom (Eph. 1:17) and wisdom is essential for the believer (Prov. 4:7). Let the Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do and say. Faith and pragmatism are not mutually exclusive. As Proverbs says... we should take wise steps in times of danger. But there is no place for fear and must guard against being led by it, knowing that perfect love drives out all fear (1 John 4:18). However, stay humble…realizing that people’s faith levels are in different places.
God is at work; He is never absent or away from the scene. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalms 46:1). We always trust Him in all things, that He loves us and is working for our good……no matter how things may look. For we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Let us encourage one another, love one another, as I know that so many are already doing…… and be the chosen, peculiar people that He has called us to be. Finally, remember that from the Latin, peculiar means to be “privately-owned”? Be encouraged through the knowledge of what 1 Cor. 6:19-20 says “do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price”. That price was the blood and sacrifice of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world, to redeem us and make us a part of His family. This is the story of God. Share this with the world…. there is hope in the redeeming blood of Jesus to bring us back to the Father. This is what we have to offer. Praying for everyone and trusting in the One True Living God!!
Blessings!
-Kathy Mullins