Embracing Our Peculiar Identity: A Call to Stand Out

In the 14th chapter of Deuteronomy, it is written: "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all nations that are upon the earth." This passage raises an intriguing question: Was God instructing the children of Israel to be different in a bizarre or kooky way? I don't think so. Instead, God was telling them that He had chosen them to be distinct from other nations.

Why?

Because they were surrounded by pervasive idolatry, wickedness, and perverted religions. God wanted them to be peculiar, to stand out as a living example of His way, truth, and redemption.

The Call to Peculiarity

Today, God still expects the same from us. We live in a world filled with idolatry and wickedness, and God calls us to reflect His pure light in this darkness. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Understanding 'Peculiar'

Let's unpack the word 'peculiar.' The New King James Version substitutes 'special' for 'peculiar,' but I believe 'peculiar' captures the essence of being different more clearly. There's a phrase often heard in Christian circles: "Be in the world, but not of the world." While we can't change being in the world, we can choose not to be of it. Through Christ's Spirit, we can turn down the world's influence and focus on Jesus.

Living as Peculiar People

Jesus said in John 17, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." He prayed not for our removal from the world but for our protection from evil. This means living as peculiar people, distinct from the world.

Revelation's Warning

Revelation 18 provides a solemn warning applicable today. It describes Babylon as a dangerous mix of truth and falsehood, good and evil, Christianity and paganism.

God's peculiar people will intentionally disassociate from this toxic concoction.

Characteristics of the Peculiar

Love

John 13:35 tells us, "By this all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." Genuine Christlike love is scarce today, but it will be a defining trait of the peculiar.

Devotion to God's Law

Instead of minimizing God's law, the peculiar will study, cherish, and emulate it. They will seek holiness and righteousness, as Matthew 6:33 instructs.

Distinct Speech

Peculiar people won't engage in idle chatter or be consumed by worldly matters. Their speech will reflect their focus on Christ.

Vision

They will focus on the unseen, eternal things, as 2 Corinthians 4:18 advises, rather than temporary worldly distractions.

Hope

The peculiar will not despair at the world's closing scenes but will look forward to Christ's return with hope and joy.

Embrace Peculiarity

In a world that often resembles a herd of lemmings, blindly following destructive paths, the peculiar stand out. They don't seek to be different for its own sake but because their focus is on Jesus. As Titus 2:11-14 explains, they live soberly, righteously, and godly, looking for the blessed hope of Christ's return. God has given His peculiar people a specific mission: to share His truth and love with the world. He cannot use those who blend in with the world. So, if someone remarks on your peculiarity, say a hearty, "Hallelujah!" and embrace it.

If you enjoyed this post, please watch the full video here: God's Peculiar People