"Since you call on a Father Who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." -I Peter 1:17-19 (New International Version)

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." -I Peter 2:21 (NIV)

It's entirely possible that we have lived here so long that we've kind of forgotten what we really are. Think about it. All we really know is here; the things we can physically sense, they're all here. It's difficult to remember, at times, that this isn't reality for us- especially when we are surrounded by things that closely imitate the truth. Yet, they are still false. Our treasures will never fade away, nor will they ever lose value. In case it hasn't clicked yet, let me repeat: This world is not our home!!!

We used to live in the world as part of it, but no longer do we wander so aimlessly. For we were not redeemed with things of this Earth, but rather "with the precious blood of Christ." (I Peter 1:19) While sojourning here, we have put down some roots and have tended to take on the mindsets, attitudes, and traditions of the natives. Sometimes we even cling to our borrowed possessions when we've got so much better up there. But we don't belong here! And yet, this world is all we know. How can we possibly live as though we don't belong here? We used to belong here, but now we are to behave as strangers in the world. Hmmmmm, sounds interesting. So, how do we do that?

Since we are strangers here, we don't really know how to behave: the traditions, language, dress, morals, etc. that we are to follow. However, God has made it incredibly simple: "You should follow in [Jesus'] steps (I Peter 2:21)."

The apostle Peter quotes from Isaiah that "the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." I Peter 1:5 says that through faith, we "are shielded by God's power until the coming in the last time." As we imitate what we know of Christ through His Word and what He reveals to us, we automatically become less and less like the world-so much so that we actually act like strangers. The Christian life is in such contrast to the patterns of this world, that it is not possible to actively participate in both. Again, we're just passing through.

Now let's look at another view of this. We were chosen to stand on the Rock. What an unspeakable privilege! Therefore, we consider it to be extremely precious. However, to the world, it trips them up; they stumble and fall. Of course we will be different from the world, we stand on different ground and have a completely different perspective. We have totally different viewpoints from those here, totally different customs, a completely strange language, and difference in our fashion of clothing-we are strangers in a strange land just like Moses was. The natives should notice. If we don't appear different (we who are of a foreign country), if we blend in with the locals, something is wrong and it's not with them.

"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) The difference should be as stark as a flashlight shone in a dark room or a diamond on black velvet.

If you have any questions or anything, please feel free to e-mail me. God bless you!

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