A Royal Priesthood: Serving God in Everyday Life

 “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.” (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9

Dear Friends,

The sky was clear and bright when Dad and I set out to walk our farm last Sunday. Dad suggested we take the hike to enjoy the day and shake off our Sunday afternoon nap-grogginess. We started down the lane and followed the road to the edge of the field. The pavement made walking smooth and easy, but when we stepped onto the freshly tilled soil, things changed. Suddenly, every step required more effort and attention.

We continued across the field, carefully watching our steps so we wouldn’t twist an ankle. As we walked, I said to Dad, “Wow! Walking through this field is a lot like life. It may seem easy at first, but it takes a lot of perseverance and careful stepping to reach your destination.”

When we returned home, I thought about the experience more. Not only did our farm walk remind me of the challenges of everyday living, but it also brought to mind the perseverance required in serving God and others. Much of Christian ministry isn’t accomplished through one great act of service, but through daily faithfulness in the responsibilities God has given us.

As God’s people, we are called a royal priesthood. This is who we are in Christ, but with this privilege comes responsibility. The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery defines priestly ministry as “an investment of self for another’s advancement that requires vision and daily devotion.”

The Daily Work of the Old Testament Priests

Consider, for example, the daily work of the Old Testament priests.

The priests and Levites ministered in the tabernacle, and later the temple, carrying out their assigned responsibilities day after day. The priests regularly prepared and replenished the bread for the Table of Showbread. They tended the lamps so they would burn as prescribed. They sacrificed numerous animals to make atonement for the sins of the people.

At times, these and other day-to-day jobs might have seemed tedious or repetitive, but they were important responsibilities that honored God, benefited the people, and ultimately pointed toward the coming Savior.

What It Means to Be a Royal Priesthood

In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter explains that as members of God’s priesthood, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Our position in Christ is a gift of grace, and our service is a response of love and gratitude.

While this ministry is a joy, faithfully serving God, especially in the ordinary, repetitive tasks of life, can require more sacrifice than we expect.

Like taking step after step through a field, we must faithfully continue doing both the easy and the hard things God has called us to do. Daily, we must spend time with Him in prayer and the study of His Word, seek His guidance, and then obey.

Faithful in the Everyday Things

The Old Testament priests were assigned different tasks. Similarly, each of us has been given different talents and abilities with which we can glorify God and bless others. Some people serve God in prominent, highly visible roles. Others bake bread and keep the lamps burning as they faithfully serve God through the ordinary, necessary tasks of everyday life.

Praying consistently for a struggling friend, caring for children or an elderly family member, encouraging a neighbor, preparing a meal to share with others, or visiting someone who is lonely may seem like ordinary activities. But all of these acts of service, when done with a heart of love, are meaningful expressions of our devotion to God.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are part of God’s royal priesthood. What a privilege to serve the One Who has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light! Your ministry may not be prominent or even noticed by others, but it matters to God. Like walking through a freshly tilled field, the journey may not always be easy. But keep taking one faithful step after another, knowing that even the smallest acts of service, done in love, can bring glory to God and blessing to others.

Love,

Mama

What ordinary responsibilities has God given you today? How is He teaching you to serve Him faithfully in the everyday things of life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!