Day Twenty-Five

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 2:4–5

Today, we discover the power of Christian community.

Christ Connection. Peter begins by pointing us to Jesus as the “living stone.” Everything about our faith starts here. Christ is not only the foundation of our salvation; He is also the cornerstone that gives our lives alignment and stability. Stones not connected to the cornerstone cannot stand. In the same way, believers draw their life, identity, and purpose from an ongoing connection to Christ. Peter writes that we are like “living stones” because Christ lives in us through His resurrection power. As we remain connected to Him, we are continually being shaped and conformed to His image.

Church Unity. Peter then emphasizes community. One stone alone is not a building, and one believer alone is not the church. God is fitting us together into a spiritual house, where each life matters and every role counts. Paul reminds us that the body grows as each part does its work. When God calls you to serve, He is also calling others to serve alongside you. Our faith is personal, but it was never meant to be private. Together, we form the church, serving God in unity, which pleases Him.

Kingdom Sacrifice. Peter reminds us that we serve as priests, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Our sacrifices are no longer animals on an altar, but lives laid down in worship and service. Everything we do with our bodies is to be done as an act of worship to God. Whether you eat or drink or work or serve or rest, do all things to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

As we begin the Next Initiative, we remember that one way we offer spiritual sacrifices is through generosity. Scripture reminds us not to neglect doing good and sharing what we have. Sacrificial giving pleases Him (Heb. 13:16). As living stones, we are built together for God’s glory and serve as a unified collective to advance the Kingdom. How will your spiritual sacrifice, along with others, advance the Kingdom during this stewardship campaign?

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