Identity Worth Fighting For

I know there's no question why God directed me back to Peter's letters today as I long for the comfort He provides and the beautiful identity we hold as his children. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

"1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2)according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you."

For whatever reason, being called a exile felt like a relief. Today I absolutely felt like it and there was no use trying to fit in to this world's ridiculous ideas. But Peter understood and agreed... and weirdly enough there was comfort in the fact we're all strangers in this place and don't fit in. But we're here together. Then Peter continued to say all over this world and together we make this family. We're meant to fight; not only fight but called to this incredible and unbelievably challenging daily struggle. It doesn't sound appealing at first, but when I realized how disgusting I've become and how beautiful my Christ is... all I can think of is how willing I am to do whatever it takes to become more like this immaculate being.

Peter goes on to describe how God decided to use each of so long ago. Now.. I'm not going to even try and explain the Trinity and its amazing complexity, but Peter goes on to say God knew we'd become a people who'd shine with remarkable godliness. He starts by saying God already knew and chose you. I don't know about you, but I the idea of being chosen before the beginning of time to change this world for all eternity kind of blows my mind. The idea that the Maker of Universe.. the One who is making my heart beat... allowing me to breathe each breath.. and type each key... and yet He still falls in love with this sinner each and every single day simply takes my breath away. (Psalm 8)

And then by his grace, He allows us to become more like him. He gives us a way to change and renew our minds and hearts to become clean and change. This process is called sanctifying. And although it's not an easy or pretty way, it's what's necessary to change. Once we've striped ourselves of our sin and the nature of the flesh, then can we start to put on holiness and sanctify ourselves. Basically we must make the choice to get rid of the old and replace with the new, not trying to just "add on the good stuff". The Holy Spirit constantly tries to stretch and mold us into the beautiful and meek children of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Finally, Jesus is the example we need and the ultimate sacrifice. As I read about being obedient, I went back and read where He fulfilled so many prophecies. As if the blameless death on the cross for the obedient and flawless life He lived wasn't enough, He gives demonstrates the most beautiful picture of what love is. The sacrificial and unmeasurable love is for you. (Isaiah 52:13-53)

All in all, to be chosen by such a beautiful Savior, who not only loves me more than I'll ever understand, is patiently and earnestly longing to mold me into an even more beautiful picture of love than I can fathom. I think that's an identity I'm willing to fight and changing for.