Faith in Things of this World

Scripture:

1Pet. 1:17   If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. ¹⁸ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. ²⁰ He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. ²¹ Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Observation:

The people of the dispersion were living in days that were very unfamiliar to them, but this was not to detract them from their faith. Peter reminded them that the things of this world, even silver and gold, were nothing in comparison to the blood of Jesus Christ. Their trust was to be in the one who freely gave up his life. As the sacrificial lamb God had planned this salvation for humanity from the very beginning — it was no surprise. Therefore, they don’t need to trust in the things of the world going their way, but wherever they may find themselves, they can put their trust in God. 

Application:

Whether listening to the radio, tv or even live-streams these days people are trying to sell you gold or silver. Now, that may simply reveal my age and targeted marketing for those working on their retirement plans, but the world seems to be saying that we need to find security in their investments. While I want to make responsible decisions, I’ve also lived in a part of the world where the currency of the country lost all value and a life savings was wiped out in a matter of months. It can happen and it’s not pleasant but, I also learned that you make it through those hard times, when you are depending on God. 

A few days after my dad died my brother and I were having a conversation. My dad had worked hard to plan for his retirement and to be able to pay for his care until the end. However, when he was gone, we realized how the things that he had planned for now meant nothing in light of being with the Lord. In one moment, it all changed. 

The world encourages us to put our trust in investments, monetary and political systems, but they are nothing in light of the work of Jesus Christ which has set us free. Our faith and our hope are to be set on God for only in him do we find permanence. We may be tempted, but let us never move away from putting our trust entirely on God. 

Prayer:

Lord, may I live as your servant in the world, trusting entirely upon you. Amen.