Just as my house and my possessions say something about me, what do I, God’s temple and His treasured possession, say about Him?
We all have possessions. I have possessions that have sentimental value to me, like glasses that belonged to my grandma, old rolling pins that belonged to my granny and afghans that were crocheted by my mother-in-law. I have possessions that satisfy a need, like my home and my car. I have a lot of possessions I just think are pretty, or fit a style I particularly like. Regardless of the reason for my possessions, they all say something about me. About who I am. You could walk into my house and probably be able to make some assumptions about me. My favorite colors, my decorating style, how I spend my extra time. You would be able to see what is important to me. You would know I love coffee and candles and throw blankets. You could tell from my vehicle and home itself, I have a family. Your possessions say something about who you are.
When I read 1 Peter 2:4-10, a couple of things stood out to me. In verse 5 Peter says we, as followers of Jesus “like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” God’s presence lives within us. We are His spiritual house, His temple. Later, Peter says in verse 9 we “are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” Not just any possession, but a special or treasured possession. In Luke 12:7 Jesus says we are worth more to God than many sparrows. Psalm 8:5-6 says “You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands…” Again, we are more than just His possession. We are special. We are treasured. And in the same way I would take great care of my special possessions, won’t God take even better care of us?
Just as my house and my possessions say something about me, what do I, God’s temple and His treasured possession, say about Him? Do people look at me and see who Jesus is? Right now, our world seems a little uncertain. Things may feel out of balance. But as followers of Jesus, we have a hope and a promise to hold onto. Am I, as God’s possession sharing this hope and promise to the people around me? Am I displaying the characteristics of God? Verse 9 also says, “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” I want to declare the praises of Jesus to a world that seems dark and unpredictable.
What an honor to be the temple of God and to be a possession treasured by our Father. In these days of uncertainty, let us show the characteristics of Jesus to those around us. Let there be no question that we are the spiritual house where Jesus dwells. We are His possessions. The world should be able to look at us and know who Jesus is! We have the hope of Jesus to share with the world!
