Peculiar People

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
In the past a lot was said about adventists being a 'peculiar people' with certain distinct characteristics that readily set them apart from the world and other religions. Indeed in times past one could readily identify an adventist. Now it seems the line of demarcation between believers and the world has become blurred. Many believers can't be distinguished from worldly associates. Why is this so? This occurs and has occurred simply because some of us no longer desire to be seen as 'peculiar' or 'different' from the rest of the world. We want to 'blend in' not stand out as a sore thumb. We want to dress, behave and live like the world. It seems as we want the world more than Christ! This shows us how far removed from Christ we are. The sad part is that many of us are content with this state of affairs. This is not sad it is frightening! How can the people who claim to be followers of the true God behave like or worse than those they consider 'heathens'? Then we go on to have evangelistic efforts to 'save' those in the world who no doubt regard us as hypocrites! The folks in the world know exactly what we as adventists are supposed to be practicing and living! We can't save anyone when we ourselves need saving! What is needed is a thorough reformation and leaving behind of cherished sins. It is a humbling of self and of dying to self daily. This can only be achieved by daily bible study, prayer and accepting of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us. We need to think less of self and more about what our the needs of our friends, relatives, colleagues etc who are perishing in sin. If we love them we will set a good example for them and be the peculiar people we ought to be.


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