The responsibility of being royal
From "Mood Swings" @moodswingwithmoody
Last fall my husband and I watched "The Crown" on Netflix. It's a series about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth.
If you are anything like me, you've never put much time into the concept of royalty. The series pointed out the incredible responsibility the crown meant for Elizabeth. She became the symbol of England and as such she had to make choices and do things that were not easy to do and that meant sacrifice and at times even difficulty for her family and marriage. The crown always took precedence.
Peter reminds us that we, too, are royal.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Royalty comes with benefits: We have access to the KING, enjoy the blessings and protection the King lavishes on us, and we have an eternal palace in heaven.
But royalty also comes with responsibility.
“First, we have a responsibility to represent. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Our selfless and sacrificial love is to be the distinguishing mark of being a follower of Christ. Jesus explained this further saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
This love is going to require self-control and restraint. It will require the grace God lavishes on us to seep into our speech and actions.
As royals we also must reflect (definition: throw back or cast away, NOT to think on!) the schemes of the devil, our enemy. Our job is to keep the kingdom unified, and free from division.
Jesus said,
“No one can serve two masters.”
And James tells us,
“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
This is in stark contrast to unbelievers who embrace sin, frolic in sin and entertain sin. That means recognizing evil, resisting evil and reminding others of the danger of evil in order to sustain total allegiance to the King.
And finally, as royals we must radiate. At the end of WWII, very early in Elizabeth's reign, she toured the British colonies. She was disturbed at the lavish wardrobe expected of her when her homeland was still rationing food. Her advisers reminded her of the importance of looking like what she was representing so the colonies were content to remain British colonies. She must symbolize wealth, power and fortitude.
Jesus calls us to radiate, too. He said,
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Remember how Moses' face glowed after meeting with God (Exodus 34:33)? As we live in God's presence through Bible reading and prayer, we should glow, too. Our words and actions should encourage the saints and attract and impress the sinner (1 Peter 2:12).
What a blessing that we have been called to royalty! But, like all blessings, we also have a responsibility to represent (God), reflect (the devil and his schemes) and radiate our acts of love (out of love for Christ).
Keep the crown on and your back straight!
