Who are we and how should we live? Peter tells us

We often heard that Christians are sinners saved by grace. Is that correct? Do you focus on sinners or on grace more? Let Peter gives you the correct truth about who Christians are and what they should do. Have the right perspectives of who you are and then know what you should do that you may live this life meaningfully and productively.

1Peter 2:1-10 tells us who the believers are and how should we live. The mind-map below captures the essence:



First and foremost is that believers are called, chosen, and separated by God through Jesus Christ. So believers are:

• 1 a living stone of a Spiritual House in Jesus who is the cornerstone, the headstone, from which all other stones are defined and aligned.
  • • • 
        
• 2 priesthood that is royal and holy with the purpose of to offer spiritual sacrifices
  
  Holy is separated out for God. It is distinguished and different from the world.
  The role of a priest is to present people to God to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. It includes prayers and intercessors for the people and to care for their spiritual developments.
• 
  
• 3 a chosen race who is precious in the sight of God
• 
  
• 4 a holy nation - a distinction to bring glory to God.
• 
  
• 5 God's own people 
• We were once not a people, and have not received mercy and in darkness.
• But now we are called out of darkness into His marvelous light to received mercy.
  
  For the purpose to proclaim the excellencies of Him.
  i.e. To preach & share the Good News of the Great & Loving God

All the 5 attributes show us how blessed and beloved we are in the eyes of God. So we are to the Beloved, sojourners & exiles in this world.

So, how should live in this world?

We have two main roles as sojourners and exiles in this world to play:

a. As Priest to pray, intercede, and care for God's people. To worship God in our mind, heart, and work.

b. As Preachers to proclaim, as witnesses to share, the good news of how great and how much God loves them. To tell about Jesus and what Jesus had done for them. To bring them out of darkness into His marvelous light and to become God's people.

Don't focus on the past, but focus on your present status and calling and work for the eternal future and rewards. 

Lim Liat (c) 30 Jul 2019

How do you know your thinking is right? James 3:17 shows us

How do you know your thinking is right?
How do you know it is from God or from Satan or from yourself?

MATTHEW 16:23 | [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

(Rom 8:7) For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

The Answer:

(Jas 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Compare with (Phil 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

The intention, the reasoning, and the desired outcome must follow from the above list of characteristics.

Check it first:

1. Pure?
There is no evil, bias, or bad intention.
Only truth, clean, clarity, and faithful.
Stick to the pure Word of God - the Bible.

2. Peaceable?

• Does it arise out of a heart at peace? Not in the moment of anger, fear, bitterness, hatred, stress.
• Does it lead to bringing peace or to stir up more troubles?

3.  Gentle?

• The way we are going to express it, is it gentle?
• Shouting, scolding, sarcasm do not work.

4. Open to reason?

• Can you stand up to challenges? 
• Are you open to other suggestions, opinions, and reasonings? 
• Are you so worry of being wrong that you shut up your ears? 
• You don't have to agree to them but at least consider your thinking from more perspectives. The feedback you get may even strengthen your initial thinking.

5. Full of mercy & good fruits?

• Is it out of love and is to bring benefits as good fruit.
• What are the outcomes of your thinking and decisions? Where are the benefits and for whom?

6.  Impartial?

• Do you give preference to a certain group, such as the wealthy one, or especially yourself and your gang at the expense of others?

7.  Sincere?

• Do you really mean what you say? 
• Are you trying to manipulate others? or to 
• Show a good image only?

If your thought satisfies the above criteria, you can be sure your wisdom is from above. You don't need to hear an audible voice from God to know it is from above.

Lim Liat (c) 26 July 2019

Managing our Thoughts & Emotions according to Psalm 4

For our busy and stress-out friends in this challenging world...

Psa 4:4 Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

• Don't react in anger immediately.
• Wait till the evening to think about it.
• It may be not as bad as you first thought.
• Even for the injustice and betrayal did to you.
• The Lord is in charge...so...

Psa 4:5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and [trust] the LORD.

• Trust the Lord to get justice done for you. Don't take it into your own hand.

Psa 4:7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 

• So what if you don't have the riches .... you have the greater value of joy ...

• After all, why do you pursue wealth and fame? Aren't you going after joy, happiness, satisfaction?

Psa 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. 

• It is the Lord who gives security and peace.
• Wealth and fame do not keep you safe at all.