02/17/2025
FEBRUARY 17 â 30-Second Refresh: American novelist Wallace Stenger once said he was glad to be alive, born as an American, âand most of all I am humble before the responsibilities that are also mine. For no right comes without a responsibility, and being born luckier than most of the worldâs millions, I am also born more obligated.â This rights-with-responsibilities thinking is also important to Christians. The Apostle Peter emphasizes the blessings of being born again and kingdom citizenship, when he says, âAccording to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for youâ (1 Peter 1:3â4). He then reminds us of fulfilling our responsibilities: âAs obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conductâ (1 Peter 1:14â15). Being a responsible child of God leads to the right of an imperishable inheritance.