Inspired by . . . a royal priesthood

Inspired by . . . a royal priesthood

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9)

Do you think of yourself as a priest?

I confess, I do not. A scribe, at the very least. And even that unbelievable privilege is one I am often ill-equipped to perform.

But if we are His, then we are priests because He has made us such.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."  (Rev 5:9-10)

Understanding this role is a life-long journey. For me, it is just a glimmer, a shadow forming against a dark mirror. Perhaps you are further along.

Christie Purifoy in her beautiful and holy work, Roots & Sky, talks of "the work of keeping and caring." 

Holy work. 

Folding the laundry. Sweeping the floor. Taking time to be in relationships with others. 

The admonition from Colossians 3:23 that whatever work we do should be done as for the Lord, not for men. That is what makes these tasks holy work. Not the simple act performed, but the motivation, the engaging of thought combined with the simple, daily task. 

The turning of our minds from the secular to the sacred.

As we fold the laundry we think of the man or child the article will clothe. We pray for their well-being both physically and spiritually. As we sweep the floor we are thankful for the home that protects our family. We worship Him for His goodness to us.

At its heart, the priesthood is simply being a witness.

Whatever your current role in life, mom, dad, engineer, burger-flipper, caregiver, executive, unemployed, bedridden, you can fulfill the holy work of the priesthood by your witness.

It is not so much what we do but how we do it that matters.[click to tweet]

"This witness, in word and deed, in happiness and suffering, is always this: God is God, and He is love, and through Christ all can be redeemed. Everything, including our own hearts, can be made new.  Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" ~ Christie Purifoy, Roots & Sky, pg 157

 The turning of the mind from the secular to the sacred is not easy work. But it is kingdom work. And the benefits to ourselves and to those around us are eternal.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

Shalom, 

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus