But ye are a … holy nation. 

~1 Peter 2:9b KJV

Mom, I fed the chickens. Here are your sandals back,” my daughter said.

“Back?” I tried to hide my dismay, “Did you wear the jeweled ones?” The odor rising from the pleather revealed the answer.

“I just borrowed them quick.”

I glanced at my sandals. As pretty as they were, they now had a designated purpose. I’d use them to fetch eggs or care for my hens. My jeweled sandals were now the purtiest’ chicken sandals I’d ever owned. They stank. Bad stank… Invading the kitchen stank. I dropped the sandals outside and blew my nose.

As unusual as it may seem, I knew my daughter’s quick grab happened for a purpose. It reminded me I am called to holiness. The Apostle Paul writes, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV) This verse reminds me that in the spiritual realm I am called to keep out of the chicken coop. But there’s more…

When I see someone trapped in the coop, regardless of my friend’s spiritual condition, I need to extend God’s love. 1 Peter 2:10 reads, “Which in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10 KJV) When I think of how often I’ve gotten trapped inside the coop and proceeded to walk wherever I willed until someone extended a hand of mercy to me, this makes it easy to extend a helping hand.

The Bible is infallible. Every answer is in the Book. But I am called to have more than head-knowledge—as I cultivate a relationship with Jesus, I become like Him, and He tucks the gift of love inside my person. I’ll never arrive this side of heaven, but I know every moment I spend with my Jesus is cleansing.

So now, every time I wear my jeweled chicken sandals, I’ll be reminded that in the spiritual realm, I am called to stay out of the coop, rescue friends in the coop, and stay in love with my Jesus.

Share ways you can stay out of the “chicken coop” in your spiritual life.

Father God, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You by following Christ.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2019: Jeweled Chicken Sandals: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: November 2019: Christian Broadcasting Network: Beth Patch, Senior Producer

Published: April 2020: Christian Devotions Ministries: Martin Wiles, Managing Editor; Cindy Sproles, Executive Editor