Where Ya From?

Sometimes people will inquire as to where we are from? Perhaps our accent, the phrases and words we use, or some other aspect of the way we speak or behave gives an indication that we are from some other part of the country or even some other part of the world. Then there are situations when someone might be asked, “What planet are you from?” This question is usually asked after either hearing some outlandish idea being expressed or seeing some strange behavior taking place. Do we seem strange to others? Do our actions indicate we are from somewhere else?

After encouraging his readers about the patience of God and His desire for all to come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9), Peter went on to warn regarding the coming judgment of God upon the earth. ( 2 Peter 3:10) This “day of the Lord” must be recognized as a time of reckoning and since it is not known when that will be there is the necessity of living prepared.

Peter then exhorted…
“(11) Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE OUGHT YOU TO BE IN LIVES OF HOLINESS AND GODLINESS, (12) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! (13) But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” ( 2 Peter 3:11-13 ESV)

Because of all this, ‘WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE OUGHT YOU TO BE?” The word Peter used translated “WHAT SORT” is “potapous” from “potapos”. The primary use of this Greek word was in reference to what country, race, or tribe one was from. The word is secondarily used with reference to the kind, sort, or manner of person one might be. When we think of our ORIGIN being connected with God, do we live in a way that others might note us as being from somewhere other than this world? Are we living enough unlike this world that our TRUE CITIZENSHIP -- that which is in Heaven ( Philippians 3:20) -- can begin to be noticed? Continually striving to live “lives of holiness and godliness” will reveal we have a life connection that transcends this realm. May that DIVINE ORIGIN be evident so that the focus of others may also be drawn Heavenward.

Have a great day LIVING AS A CITIZEN OF GOD’S COUNTRY!
Carl

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