Have you ever travelled to another country or area where the culture and customs were completely different?  Maybe you jumped right in or maybe you felt a bit uncomfortable.  It is interesting that time and again the Bible talks about us being aliens and strangers or foreigners whose home is heaven and who are only here on earth temporarily.  What does that idea mean for our life?  Let’s look at what Peter says about it in 1Peter 1.

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 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 ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Peter tells us to live out our time here in reverent fear.  In other words our time on earth is very temporary compared to our eternal home.  We should make the most of our time and live and love the way Jesus has taught us to but we also should not embrace this world as our home.  We should be different because we have a different home.  We are heirs to the kingdom of Heaven and should live as such. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave