NOT THE FIRST CHOICE
What do you think of my new outfit? “Stunning.” What did you think about the food at that restaurant last night? “Tasty.” What do you think of the new pastor? “Friendly.”
All of those are good, positive adjectives. Of course you can think of bad adjectives as well. Ugly. Bland. Boring.
“Peculiar” is “a not so good” adjective. Not exactly negative, but surely not positive. Certainly, not the first choice. No one wants to be seen in a “peculiar” outfit. A cook does not want to cook a meal that is “peculiar.” And certainly, pastors would have many other adjectives regarding desired characteristics ahead of being considered “peculiar.”
PECULIAR INDEED
But that is what we are. That is what we are called to be as followers of Jesus. A peculiar people. At least that is how the old King James Version of 1 Peter 2:9 reads, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an 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.”
A peculiar people. How do you like that? There was actually a church group known by that name in the 1850’s. They had about 46 different congregations. Later they became known as the Union of Evangelical Churches. Maybe they didn’t want to be known as “peculiar” anymore.
Maybe we would rather not be known as “peculiar” either. Peculiar for KJV times means something like a “private possession”—hence “God’s own possession.” For today, as far as language goes, it is a bit more accurate. Do you like it smoothed out this way: a people for God’s own possession?
Nice, but no ring. So let’s not give up on “peculiar” too soon.
OUR “PECULIAR” THEME
Our District year-long theme for 2026 is Live to Tell About It, based on 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” This is just down the “peculiar” road from 1 Peter 2:9. We will be accenting personal evangelism that grows out of, well, peculiar living.
Do we live in such a “peculiar” way that people ask us what’s going on with us that makes us different, people of hope? Do they see us living in a peculiar way that they can’t help but ask us of our hope? And if they do, what are we prepared to say?
TWO ASPECTS
This year we will focus on two aspects of this theme.
First, we will look at in what ways should our lives indeed be peculiar, clearly reflecting that we belong to God through Jesus. What would our life have to look like so that people ask, “What’s up with you?” Does our generosity ever cause questions? Does our being people of peace and kindness cause questions? Does our choice in entertainment and recreation cause questions? Does our faithful trust in and walk with Jesus give rise to people asking, “What’s up with you?” We will think about being peculiar.
Second, we will look at our preparation to give a testimony when asked about our “peculiar” hope. Throughout the year, we will be providing conferences, workshops, and tools so that we are all better prepared to communicate clearly our hope in Christ to those who ask.
GETTING STARTED
The kickoff for the theme Live to Tell About It will be a combined day-long Congregational Ministry Summit on Saturday, January 31, with a Sunday afternoon multi-site Lutheran Hour Rally featuring Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler.
AND SO
God has loved you with an everlasting love in Jesus. He has rescued you from the deeds of darkness. He has caused His Spirit to dwell within you. Your sins, worries, enemies, and death are already swallowed up in victory.
That all changes a person. It makes an impact. Indeed, it leads us to be a “peculiar” people of hope.
By: Rev. David A. Davis serves as President of the Michigan District, LCMS.