Leadership: Peculiar

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 marvellous light.

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

After my d-e-l-a-y-e-d conversion to Christ, I dove straight into the King James Bible, which (at first) seemed like a foreign language. The NKJV was much easier, and since then, I’ve read many translations. That being said...

When the KJV describes God's people as notably, markedly 'peculiar' (as in distinct from all other people), it made sense. We should be unusual.

In this verse, regarding His desire to 'Purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works' (Titus 2:14), consider:

'Just as Jehovah wished to establish a people which should belong to Him ('peculiarly His,' 'His very own'), submitting to His Laws, in contrast to the rest of mankind, lawless, idolatrous– so Jesus would set apart and purify for Himself a people, which for His sake, should devote itself to God, in contrast to the rest of humanity, sunk in selfish sins' (Ellicott's Commentary on Titus 2:14).*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Appreciate your peculiarity. You’re extraordinarily one of a kind! And while you’re at it…

  • Be peculiarly thankful, polite… prepared, professional, purpose-driven, positive, helpful, and non-judgmental. Be a surprisingly gracious Christian in the bustling fields of entertainment.

  • Be spectacularly unusual. Be loving, joyful, peaceful, and patient; kind, good, faithful, gentle, and disciplined. Be an unusual star in this world.

  • Be distinct from others. Never play small. Be the light God created you to be. Don't try to copy anyone but Christ. Only by reflecting Him will you be fully enhanced– and never diminished.

Your marketability will INCREASE, because the world loves an original! Actually, it's longing for your brand!

Leadership: Peculiar (Part 42)

* Ellicott's Commentary on Titus 2:14, especially regarding the use of the word, peculiar: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/titus/2-14.htm

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban