Do You Write Letters?

When I was pastoring, I tried to write a letter to each child I baptized.  The letter described the day and told the child the vows that parents took for the child.  On the outside of the envelop, I said: Do Not Open Until Twelve Years Old!  My thought was that at the age of twelve, these children would understand that they were chosen by God and at twelve these children would be ready to become church members and realize they were Children of God.

Twenty-one books in the Bible are actually letters.  Paul, James and John wrote letters to explain the basics of faith and worship, and how to resolve conflict and build unity.  Peter specifically wrote to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman Emperor, Nero. I Peter 2:9 says: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” This letter lifted the people to look at God and reminded them of God’s great purpose for them.

In I Peter 2:9, Peter gives four characteristics of the church followed by a purpose statement. The apostle tells members of the church what and who they are and then tells them what their identity is meant to do. The Old Testament describes the church in much the same way. In Deuteronomy 7:6: the church is a chosen people – a royal Priesthood and a holy nation.  These qualities allow the church to fulfill its mission: “to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into the wonderful light.”

I hope you write letters.  Today, we have computers, the internet and cell phones.  It’s so much easier to share our thoughts with others. God gave us a book filled with caring letters – inspired Scripture – that we might always remember that we are God’s children.  My prayer is that we would read these letters daily and be so inspired that we would share them with others who need the hope that Jesus offers. Get busy! Write a letter to someone today who needs to be lifted up and reminded that they are a “child of God.”

Prayer: God, thank You for the caring letters in the Bible. May they inspire us to share them with others!  Amen.

I Peter 2:9 – You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.

Author: Tommy Herndon