The following verses in the Bible use the term “peculiar” to describe a people set apart for God:

• Psalm 135:4 and Exodus 19:5 call them “a peculiar treasure” or His special personal property.
• Titus 2:13 and 14 says, “….to purify for Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
• Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God…, a peculiar people”.
• 1 Peter 2:9 says…, “a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

What is meant by a “peculiar people”? Some of the Webster’s dictionary definitions for “peculiar” are listed as “out of the ordinary, different, special, distinctive, exclusive, and unique; and the definition for “light” is brightness or illumination.

In 1 John 1:5 and 6 we read, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all”, so in order to have fellowship with Him, we must walk in His light. The light of the world describes the mission of Christians in this dark world. Our light is to shine forth into the darkness of all human depravity. Even the small light of a candle can dispel great darkness, but darkness can never dispel light.

Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world” (and says that even a candlestick gives light to everyone in a house), and Matthew 5:16 says to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Two other imperative verses in the Bible concerning our call to be light in the world are John 12:36 which says, “….be the children of light”, and Ephesians 5:8 says that since we are no longer in darkness, we are to “walk as children of light.”

So what does it mean in practical terms to be a peculiar people and to walk in light? 1 Peter 2:12 helps us to understand. First, we are to have an honest or honorable lifestyle, so that others “may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God…”
Philippians 2:15 says”that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation….”

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Matthew 5 is too long to write it out, but if you take the time to read it, you will see many examples of how to be a holy and unique individual “fit for the Master’s use” (2 Timothy 3:21). As you read it, pay particular attention to verses 3-12 and verses 38-48. When we become followers of Christ, our lives are changed. The command of Christ to love our enemies (verse 44) is based on the love that comes only from God, since it is not possible to love them on the basis of mere human affection. Love is the ultimate reflection of what it means to be a holy, peculiar people. Choosing to love our enemies is not an option. The Holy Spirit will work in us, ever conforming us to the image of Christ. The natural man often lets his anger control him; he wants to get even and strike back at others; and he has a hard time forgiving anyone who has hurt him or done him wrong. However, as Christ’s disciples, since we no longer walk in the flesh, we receive the supernatural power of God to walk in the Spirit. Now we are able to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), and as peacemakers, we are able to be ambassadors of the gospel to our troubled world.

As I was preparing this blog post, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my negligence in this area of spiritual maturity. He showed me that even if we haven’t been living as light in this dark world, it isn’t too late to become a peculiar people. During this time of division, unrest, and turmoil, the world desperately needs our light.