Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
I wonder if Peter was remembering his words to Cornelius when he wrote this verse.
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35)
God shows no partiality. The word literally means “not taking hold of the face of a man.” Or, in other words, God has no regard for “the appearance one presents by his wealth or property, his rank or low condition.” Outward appearances, social rank, wealth, religiosity, beauty, etc. mean nothing to God. He sees right to our hearts. And His eyes are constantly scanning the earth looking for hearts that are tuned to Him.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
God saw the heart of Cornelius, a Gentile man who not yet heard the message of Jesus Christ, and He sent Peter to him. Cornelius feared God. He knew his life was accountable to God and he lived in a humility before Him. His actions showed it. Peter’s message of Jesus Christ was “good news” to such a man.
Now speaking to all believers, Peter says, “If you call God your Father, then live like it!”
Since you know that God is not impressed by outward appearances or social status, then stop pursuing these things.
Since you know that your time on earth is short and that this world is not your home, then stop trying to be popular in the world’s eyes and living for temporary things.
Since you know that God is your Father, then be humble, respectful and obedient to Him.
I wonder if I have become too comfortable with God. I am so amazed by His grace, so blessed by His goodness, that I often forget that He is my Father. He is Judge of all the earth. He is holy.
My kids can forget that I am their father. I love my boys and do all I can to show them my love. I want them to see me as a confidant, a friend, someone they can talk to, go to, enjoy being with. But, at the same time, I am their father. There is to be respect and obedience. To truly know me as a friend, then must first respect me as a father. When they cross the line, there has to be discipline. When they get too comfortable, too lazy, I have to exhort them, rebuke them, move them.
God says the same thing to me. “Steven, don’t forget who I am. I want your heart. I want your obedience. To know me as a Friend, you must first respect me as a Father.”
Lord, my time here is so short. Help me to walk in obedience to You. Forgive me when I get too comfortable with You, too attached to this world, too confident in my own strength, too stubborn in my own ways. May I live my brief years on this earth with a heart increasingly devoted to You.