Semanons Devotions 1 11 2003
Holy People
We are having some work done on our house. The SE corner has rotted away due to termites and dry rot. As a rental property, previous tenants didn’t care since they were only temporary renters. After 40 plus years of neglect and no-attention to areas for repair, the house even in a beautiful spot like Sausalito is still just an “old house.”
When we neglect and pay no attention to the valuable things in our lives, they will show deterioration and eventually lose their values. There are other valuable things in our lives other than the houses in which we make our home. These may be our relationships to each other and our children. We know that when we neglect our relationship with each other, it would lead to disappointments and broken hearts.
Another valuable part of our lives—a very big part—is our faith in God. God doesn’t want you to neglect this part of your life but calls us to holy living.
Read 1 Peter 1:13-16. Since God is holy, you are holy too.
Read 1 Peter 2:1-3. Rid yourselves of things that hurt because God is good.
When we build our spiritual house; not endangered by termites, dry rot, and even tenants’ neglect, we build it with Christ as the living stone.
Read 1 Peter 2: 4. Although others rejected him, God sees him as precious.
With Christ as our cornerstone, we are the rest of the “living stones” to make up the rest of the spiritual house!
Read 1 Peter 2:5
Christians as stones joined together reveals mutual love. Here’s a parable:
A certain person decided to build a church. To insure strength and
durability, the builder carefully selected stones exactly alike: same size, shape,
and color. They were put in place with pride and confidence, but when the wind
blew and the storm came, the church was destroyed. Another builder decided to
contruct a church. Stones of different sizes, shapes, and colors were gathered.
How could such a church survive? Strong cement was mixed and applied
between the stones. When the wind blew and the storm came, the church stood
firm. Such is the power of mutual love.
But also such is the power of different gifts and talents are needed to be the church (Semanons).
As God’s people, we must not neglect to live a holy life. And as God’s people, we must also not neglect one another as God’s wonderfully creative and diverse family.
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10
Conclude with prayer.