As Christians, we are foreigners to the world. We belong in Heaven. 1 Peter instructs and encourages us to embrace our heavenly citizenship (1 Peter 1:1-2) and never take this gift for granted.

We are given a new birth in Christ that radically changes us.

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” – John 3:5

Our thoughts and actions are so insanely transformed that we are able to be obedient to God and live a life pleasing to him. Jesus gives us this strength because he is a living hope.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

He trains us and teaches us how to live a righteous life because we are called for greatness. We are sons and daughters of the king and our lives should reflect our royalty.

“6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ” 1 Peter 1:6-7

So are you living in joyful obedience as the royal priesthood that you are? If not, what impurity is in your faith that God is trying to burn out?