Know that I am the LORD

God has chosen to depend on mankind to be his example to all nations. In the Old Testament, he chose Israel and his descendants to be his ambassadors. Mostly, they failed. In the New Testament, he has chosen those who believe in the name of Jesus. The question is are we failing him today. 

After the Israelites were delivered from slavery, and crossed the Red Sea, the first thing God did was to tell them how their lifestyle should change and how they should live. He gave them the Ten Commandments and other instructions. They had already been "saved" from slavery, so salvation was not contingent on following them, but serving him was. 

Exodus 19:4-6 - 

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’

Verses 5 & 6 tell of an important plan. Obey and keep, then you will be God's treasured possessions, a kingdom of priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". It is God's intention to prepare His followers, through obedience, to be examples/priests to the world, the people we meet every day. 

In Luke 6 we see Jesus explaining to his disciples the importance of living a specific lifestyle so that we can have a proper witness to the world. Consider verses 27-38 to find phrases like:

1. Love your enemies,
2. do good to those who hate you,
3. bless those who curse you,
4. pray for those who mistreat you.
5. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.
6. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
7. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
8. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
9. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
10. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
11. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
12. Give, and it will be given to you.

These are not commandments to follow, but actions and attitudes that prove we love God and want to be ready to be his "priest" to the nations. 

Other selections from the Old Testament tell of the importance of being an example to the nations so that "they will know that I am the Lord"

Ezekiel 35:13-15

13 You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. 14 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 Because you rejoiced when the inheritance of Israel became desolate, that is how I will treat you. You will be desolate, Mount Seir, you and all of Edom. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’”

Prayer in old age (anonymous)

Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. 

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. 

Keep my mind from the recital of endless details - give me wings to come to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably gracious or sweet. I do not want to be a saint, just, yet, (some of them are so hard to live with) but a grumpy old man or a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so - while I still can.

     Exhumed & edited from Seventeenth Century by Gurley Martin