Praiseworthy

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.

– 1 Peter 2:9

We live in a nation that’s blessed with choices. Need a cellphone? Go online or visit any cellular provider, and you’ll find dozens of popular devices from Apple, Samsung, LG, Google, and others. Well-stocked supermarkets may offer 10 or more brands of bottled water. And Netflix, Disney Plus, and other streaming services have movies for just about anyone — from superhero action pictures to romantic comedies to horror flicks — and everything in between.

We love to sing the praises of choice. So, when it comes to faith and religion, it’s no surprise that we also have options when it comes to the One we praise. There's something for every preference. What's more, many people assert that your religion really doesn't matter — just so long as you're sincere in your beliefs and it makes you happy. After all, they say, one person's truth isn't someone else's. It's all relative. And we're all worshipping the same god anyway. 

The Bible, however, makes some startling claims that clearly contradict the anything-goes perspective of modern-day culture. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Jesus' birth — and even its location — centuries before it happened. And in Christ's brief time on earth, he cured the sick, raised the dead, and became a living sacrifice to pay the price for all the wrongs (sins) of the world. Now fast-forward 2,000 years, and Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference.

That eternal difference includes his declaration that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. But that's a claim of exclusivity that makes people uncomfortable these days. And many would even describe it as intolerant.

However, Jesus’ claim isn’t for just an exclusive few. That’s because his death and resurrection offer eternal life to anyone who accepts God's free gift! No one who wants a spiritual rebirth through Jesus is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower starts with simple faith in him through what he accomplished on the cross: total victory over sin and death! 

By some counts there are today about 20 different major world religions ... and not to mention thousands of related beliefs and their offshoots. And all but one have something in common: their emphasis on doing. But Christianity is instead about what's been done. We can't earn our salvation or perform enough good deeds to earn our way to God's favor. Christ has already done it — and paid it in-full on the cross. All we need to do is make the choice to come to him in faith. He is truly worthy of our praise!