Set Apart

Focus verses: I Peter 2:1-12

In every group of people there is someone who always swings to the ultimate arc of the pendulum. Peter was that person among the disciples. He was the one who answered Jesus' question "who do you say that I am" correctly. And Jesus called in blessed in that revelation. But just a few verses later, when Jesus tells the disciples of his coming death, Peter is the one who says "never, Lord." And Jesus says "get behind me, Satan."

Again when Jesus washes the disciples feet, Peter first says no, then not only my feet but my face and hands as well.

It is strange that such a volatile personality, from one extreme to the other, should become a patriarch of steady resolution, recommending self-control the the scattered churches. Peter has grown wiser and more stable.

We are indeed a peculiar people, we Christians.

We have a different hope from the rest of the world. We have the hope of heaven and God's glory. Our lives are to be testament to that glory. We are to be the examples to the pagan. Ouch!

When we look at our lives, do we see the shining example that Peter describes here? Or are we sort of tarnished mirrors, reflecting God only dimly?

Let us examine our lives in light of His Advent.

Father, God,

Help us to see what You would have us do and be obedient to that vision. Grant that we may polish our dim mirrors so that You are reflected more clearly in our lives.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Temperance

Focus verse: Proverbs 29:11

A fool give full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control.

We all know people who have short fuses on their tempers. It takes very little for them to fly into a rage. Generally that rage is blind. They cannot see the source of their discontent and have no idea how to correct the problem. They simply vent their bile.

Anger, especially explosive anger, is desperately counter-productive. The body reacts to anger with an increased heart rate, an inability to hear correctly, and a release of hormones for the "fight or flight" response.

A self-controlled person, on the other hand, keeps a cool head. He is not blinded by rage, so he can look at options to correct the issue. His blood is not roaring in his ears, so he can hear carefully and correctly. His hormones are note channeling him into an "either/or" situation, so he can look a t a group of alternatives to find the best course of action among several choices. Most of all, if he is calm and quiet, he can hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit directing him.

In this day, we need people who can stay calm and analytical in looking at circumstances. We need people who can read and research to find the most effective course of action in any situation. We need people who can listen for the leading of the Lord.

Father, God,

Help me to control my emotions. Let me not be tempted to rash action and unprofitable speech. Keep me under the control of Your Holy Spirit at all times, so that I may hear Your leading.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.