How can we align our lives with Jesus, the "chosen and precious" cornerstone? Recognize the Cornerstone “ As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight ” (1 Peter 2:4). • Jesus is not one option among many; He is God’s tested, irreplaceable foundation (Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22). • Our first step is settled conviction: no other ground will hold (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20). Come to Him Continually Peter’s phrase “as you come to Him” is present tense—an ongoing approach. Practical ways: • Begin each day in the Word; let His voice frame your priorities (Colossians 3:16). • Talk to Him throughout the day—thanksgiving, confession, requests, praise (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • End the day rehearsing His faithfulness (Psalm 92:2). Build Every Area on His Teaching “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24–25). • Finances: steward resources as belonging to the Cornerstone (Luke 16:10–13). • Relationships: pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, purity (Ephesians 4:32; 5:3). • Work: labor “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Suffering: entrust yourself “to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Mirror His Character “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). • Conduct: honest speech, integrity, kindness (Ephesians 4:25–32). • Desires: reject what wars against the soul (1 Peter 2:11). • Mind: renew thinking through Scripture, not culture (Romans 12:2). Grow Together as Living Stones “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). • Commit to a Bible-preaching church; the structure holds when stones stay joined (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Use your gifts to strengthen others (1 Peter 4:10). • Submit to mutual accountability; alignment is a community project (Galatians 6:1–2). Proclaim His Excellence “You are…that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him” (1 Peter 2:9). • Speak the gospel naturally in conversation (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Display good works that point beyond you (1 Peter 2:12). • Maintain hope under pressure; steadfastness showcases the Cornerstone’s worth (Philippians 1:27–30). Alignment Checklist □ Daily Scripture intake and prayer keep me coming to the Living Stone. □ Decisions—large and small—pass the “built-on-Christ” test. □ Patterns of holiness, not hidden compromise, mark my lifestyle. □ I’m actively joined to believers, giving and receiving encouragement. □ My words and works consistently direct others to Jesus, the chosen and precious Cornerstone. |
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