Chosen To Praise and Serve

I found this verse reading notes from others in the YouVersion iPhone Bible this morning:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

This verse explains one reason we are called and blessed by God is to praise Him. This is one reason why worship is so important for us every week and even every day.

We are called to follow the example of Jesus, who not only took time to praise God but also to seek God alone as well as with others regularly. Jesus also made time to serve others regularly, and explained to his disciples that service is at the heart of following him and God.

Sometimes when we hear the phrase “chosen people” I think we may overlook or ignore the purposes for which God calls us. God does not call us to simply live in our homes and closed communities and remain separated from the troubles and challenges of the world. God calls us to praise and worship him, and go forth serving him by becoming his hands and feet!

This verse also speaks to how we are called to be witnesses for Christ. We declare our praise for God as we share with others the ways he has and continues to work in our lives.