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…that they may see your good deeds and glorify God. 1 Peter 2:9,12

Many Christians today want to find God’s plan for their life but, unfortunately, often overlook the one place it’s revealed.  They want the everyday details without looking at the bigger picture.  God’s overall goal for us is that we would bring Him glory and that our lives would declare the praises of Him, and He uses both His Spirit and His Word to accomplish this.  If you have a moment, read the fuller passage of 1 Peter 2:1-12.  We find three ways to glorify God.

1. With our behavior.

Righteous living stands out in stark contrast to the lifestyles of the world around us. Godliness should shine like a light pointing others to Christ and bringing glory to the Father.  Verses 4 and 5 say,

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  Our lives are to be holy and pure, and it should be evident to others by our behavior.

2. With our character.

God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son.  As the Spirit’s fruit is produced in us, we display Christ’s likeness in our attitudes and responses to people and situations.  Verses 9 and 10 say,

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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  We are to declare the praises of Him – the wonderful Light – by our character which represents God’s special possession.

3. With our obedience.

Scripture reveals what God has commanded and how He wants us to live. When we do what He says, we glorify Him.  In fact, John says, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.  John 5:3,4. 

Peter encourages us by saying:  Dear friends, I urge you…to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11,12.

We usually focus on finding God’s plan for our life in connection with circumstances, relationships, and other practical matters.  But the Lord’s priority is our spiritual development – Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  Philippians 2:12,13

When we obey what His Word reveals to be His will, He’ll sovereignly direct our path in every other matter as well.