April 18, 2007

 

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

--1 Peter 1:15-19

I want to focus your attention on the phrase “throughout the time of your exile” in today’s passage. It’s an important insight that can directly impact how you live your life here on earth as a follower of Christ.

 

The Bible calls us strangers or “aliens” in this world because our affections and ambitions are to be focused on things beyond this life. Like Abraham, who lived in tents and kept on moving through the Promised Land, we are merely travelers through this life.

 

As believers today we need to live in spiritual “tents,” not getting too attached to the stuff of this world. This world is not our home. We’re only here temporarily!

 

We are in exile from heaven, which is our true home. And since our true citizenship is in heaven and not on earth, we must detach ourselves from the things of this world, and attach ourselves to eternal things.

 

If you live like an alien and stranger who is in exile here on earth, other people may wonder about you a little bit. But that’s fine. Just be ready to fold your spiritual “tent,” because you’re moving onward and upward one day!

 

LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN WHO IS TEMPORARILY EXILED HERE ON EARTH.