The KJV translations of 1 Peter 2:9 and Titus 2:14 opened up a wonderfully wacky world for quirky followers of Jesus to hide behind. Unusual personalities, tactless words or offensive behavior could simply be attributed to the distinctive calling of a “peculiar people”. (Thankfully, newer translations speak of God’s people as a “chosen people, belonging to God” and “a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good”.)
Though there is room in the kingdom of God for all of us, I cringe when I think of people who have given God the credit for their socially awkward or immature interactions. Of all people, Christ-followers ought not be human repellants. Our task and privilege is to draw people close to God, not send them scurrying away when they see us coming. Instant repulsion does not further the cause of Christ in this world.
May our peculiarity be most keenly revealed in how we love each other and how we serve those around us. The spirit of God reigning within us can be inviting, appealing and uniquely distinctive as we put in a good word for God to those who long to hear a good word from anybody. The goal of being odd for God is to lead others to be “awed by God”, overwhelmed by His awesome power, extravagant love and amazing grace.
May our peculiar prayer be that of St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Dennis Lynn
Redwood Church
