“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 Scripture applies to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Only the Kingdom of God can identify the homeless as His special possession, invite a criminal to become part of a holy nation, call the disadvantaged and underprivileged into the priesthood, and name the outcast as chosen. God uses a divine lens to see us. The Bible says He does not look at outward appearance but at the heart—and He qualifies us to partake in this privilege.

There was a time in my life when I was a new believer in Christ, just beginning to learn the Word of God. I had a habit of using bad words—for fun or when I got extremely angry. I thought it made me look cool. I didn’t even realize it was wrong, because my friends used the same language and my culture considered it normal.

Until one day, a preacher shared this Scripture and gave an example. He asked whether Queen Elizabeth had ever used filthy language in public or in the media. To belong to a royal palace, even babies are taught and trained to grow in royalty—through rules, discipline, appearance, poise, and communication. He went on to preach that we belong to a royal Kingdom, that God has chosen and appointed us to stand as His witnesses.

That message struck me deeply. I began to closely observe the royals from Buckingham Palace. Yes, they were different from common people. They consistently maintained a distinct way of living—how they behaved, spoke, and carried themselves.

My heart began to desire transformation—to truly belong to the Kingdom of God. As a first step, I made a conscious effort to stop using bad words. Every time I was tempted to speak, I reminded myself that I am a princess of my King, Jesus, and that I am chosen. Though I am still working on many areas of my life, I have not lost sight of my origin or where I am destined to end up.

People in earthly palaces maintain their poise out of fear of people or rejection from royal lineage. But we are called out of darkness into marvelous light to proclaim the praises of Him who saved us.

The Word of God encourages us to stay away from anything that distorts the truth of who Jesus is to us and who we are called to be in His Kingdom. We bear a mark—the blood of Jesus upon us—set apart from the world and counted among the chosen.

Welcome to the Royalty.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Help us to walk worthy of our royal calling, guarding our hearts, words, and actions so they reflect Your glory. Transform us daily to live as Your chosen people, for Your praise and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.