Prince (or Princess) versus Pauper

     I don't propose to have the solution to the problem most of us face when dealing with our evangelistic call. I'm not going to suddenly turn you into the personal evangelist of the year, but I just might help you a little in your efforts with this post.

     While I was praying and meditating yesterday I was thinking about two verses and I had a lightbulb moment. The two verses I was pondering were Romans 8:16-17 and 1 Peter 2:9.

Romans 8:16-17 says, "The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him." while 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, "But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"

     What do these two verses together mean? It means that we (God's elect) are Royalty! The problem is, we don't live like a Prince or a Princess, we live like a Pauper. Now consider if you will, which would you rather be, a Prince/Princess or a Pauper? It really shouldn't be that hard a decision. The royalty get all the benefits, do they not, while the common folk pay the taxes and do all the work, right? Exactly.

     Now, consider the average "Christian" approaches living for God. The act like Paupers, instead of Royalty. We "pay our taxes" when we give, and we "obey royal edicts" when we show up at services or do any of the other works we are called to do. We are completely wrong in our approach to serving God!

     No wonder so many people we talk to don't want to be like us! They see us living the life of a serf and a servant, and think that, by comparison, they are free. Who would give up perceived freedom to live like a vassal? No one in their right mind. And that is why we are often so ineffective. 

     So what is the answer? Live the life of a Royal! Live a life that truly reflects what Romans says, that we are God's children. We aren't just children of a king, we are the children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Let your spirit reflect the fact that we are the Royal offspring of the Lord God Jehovah Almighty, Creator and Sustainer, Ruler of all Eternity, Time, Space and every other dimension possible! We are not poor homeless paupers living under a cruel king, but rather Royal emissaries traveling out of their kingdom to invite others in!

     Imagine then what would happen if your life truly reflects who we are? People will be drawn to us! They will see the difference between our freedom as Royalty and their enslavement as spiritual paupers.

     Celebrate your royalty by living the life that God called us to, rejoice in the fact that we have the privilege of tasting glimpses of our eternal glory when we worship or serve. If we have this attitude, then we would do almost anything legal, ethical and moral to be there when the doors open, to join the small groups on different nights, to be open and inviting to others whenever we get the chance! 

     Change your attitude, and your change will become evident. I think maybe now I am beginning to understand what was meant when Matthew recorded, "Let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works ,and glorify your father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV) Why would men glorify God for our good works? Because we are simply reflecting the Royalty we have been adopted into!

     May God Bless you today as you transform your attitude and approach to God from Poor Pauper to Precious Prince or Princess  -  Robert