All We Are Born To

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls…

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy…’ 

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 Peter 1:3-9,13-16,22-23

The imagery of a newborn evokes wonder at the miracle and promise. Welcoming a new life, with an unwritten full future ahead, captivates with continuous discovery and possibility. The awe-filled new birth to salvation opens the way for remarkable exploration of all to which the child of God is born, what we are and how we can live. The Creator and Source of all life has determined its ends, and guides over its numbered days as He gives eternal hope by His living and abiding word.

We are born to living hope that refreshes vision to see the invisible and fills us with rejoicing. Soul, why be downcast? (Psalm 42:11)

We are born to an imperishable, invaluable inheritance that is undefiled, unfading, kept and guarded for us in heaven. Why do we live in the lowlands of the world as though we are spiritual paupers? (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

In light of these eternal treasures that assure and bolster and comfort, we are also born to trials that result in stronger faith, refined character, and praise to God. How can we see our trials as pathways for future wholeness glory? (James 1:2-4)

As God’s chosen, we are born to a life of ongoing sanctification, unto holiness. Over time we find passions conformed to spiritual sobriety and Christ-likeness. In turn we learn to refuse temptation, ignorance, and disobedience. How are we different now than we were a year ago? How do we intend to grow? (Romans 8:29-32)

And we are born to earnest, pure love that mimics Christ’s love for us, selfless and sacrificial. How well are we loving those the Lord has given to us, in our homes, churches, communities, and work places? (John 13:34)

Lord, make me holy, reflecting Your purity and glory wherever I am.