Peter declares by the Spirit in our theme scripture that we are a royal priesthood. This identity of the believer carries the two special ministry offices (in generic terms) for every child of God, a king and priest. Rev 1:6 says, "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen". These are not just titles but more importantly they talk of our functionality. You are a king made by God and not men. That means you are a person of dignity and honor. Therefore, don't be Scruffy and rough in your manners. Kings rule and exercise authority (dominion). Psalm 110:2 says, "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies". This was prophetic of the reign of Christ after His resurrection through the Church, the era in which we are. We are the ones to enforce God's will on earth. We exercise this rule in the name of Jesus through our decrees of faith and prayers. The word of a king carries power (Ecclesiastes 8:4). As priests we are designed and divinely tasked to offer prayers, gifts to God (your giving) and teach or guide others in God's word. This was the work of the priests in the Old Testament. 1 Peter 2:5 tells us, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ". In 1 Samuel 12:23 Samuel stressed about his priestly commitment to the children of Israel, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right". The Lord counts on you as His king-priest today through which His purpose will be realized upon the earth.