A Peculiar People

Richard Thetford

Have you ever had anyone refer to you as a peculiar person? If you are a Christian you can take that as a compliment because God's people are called peculiar. In 1 Peter 2:9 we read: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Why are Christians peculiar?

Christians are peculiar because they are different. Peter says that "they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you" (1 Pet 4:4). In 2 Corinthians 6:16-17, Paul says that Christians are to be separate from the world. A Christian is peculiar in many different ways. They are peculiar in Name as referenced in Acts 11:26 and in 1 Pet 4:16. Here we can read that this peculiar person is called Christian. The Christian is also known for their great faith (Rom 1:8) and the life that they lead (1 Pet 4:3-4). A Christian always strives to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the gospel of Christ and as a result knows God (Heb 8:10-11). Speech is also another way that we can tell that a Christian is peculiar. Paul says "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you" (Tit 2:8). So why would we want to be a peculiar person? First and most of all so that we can be counted as one of God's people (1 Pet 2:9-10). Also because Christ gave Himself on the cross for us, and to obtain mercy, to be redeemed, to be in the light, and to show forth God's excellencies. We should all strive to become a peculiar people!