What practical steps can you take to live as a "foreigner" on earth? Setting the Scene “Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” (1 Peter 1:17) Peter writes to believers scattered through Asia Minor, reminding them—and us—that this life is a temporary assignment. The word “foreigners” carries the idea of resident aliens: people who live somewhere, yet whose true homeland lies elsewhere. Remember Your Identity • Philippians 3:20—“Our citizenship is in heaven.” • Keep a clear mental line between where you live and where you belong. • Daily affirm: “I’m a child of God first, an earthly resident second.” Cultivate Reverent Fear • “Conduct yourselves in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17). • Fear here is not terror, but respectful awe that shapes every decision. • Ask before choices: “Will this honor my Father who judges impartially?” Detach from Earthly Passions • 1 Peter 2:11—“I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh.” • Practical steps: – Filter entertainment; refuse what normalizes sin. – Set digital limits to keep lust, envy, and anger at bay. – Fast occasionally from non-sinful pleasures to prove they don’t own you. Anchor in Eternal Values • Colossians 3:1-2—“Set your hearts on things above… not on earthly things.” • Spend time each week evaluating schedule and spending: are they pointed toward eternity? • Invest in acts that echo forever—evangelism, discipleship, generosity. Invest in the Family of God • Ephesians 2:19—“You are… members of God’s household.” • Prioritize local church involvement even when busy or traveling. • View fellow believers as compatriots abroad; support and receive support. Speak the Language of Your Homeland • Psalm 119:13—“With my lips I recount all the laws You have spoken.” • Make Scripture the dialect of your conversations: – Memorize verses; quote them naturally. – Replace gossip with grace-filled words (Ephesians 4:29). Travel Light • Hebrews 13:5—“Be content with what you have.” • Curb accumulation: give away or sell items you don’t need. • Budget with open hands; see money as travel expense, not home equity. Stay in Touch with Home • 1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing.” • Schedule unhurried prayer times; sprinkle short prayers throughout the day. • Listen for your Father’s direction; expect course corrections. Look Forward to the Return Trip • 2 Timothy 4:8—“The crown of righteousness… to all who have loved His appearing.” • Keep reminders of Christ’s return—songs, artwork, conversation starters. • When facing hardship, say aloud: “This is temporary; my King is coming.” By practicing these habits, you’ll live distinctly—recognizable as someone whose passport is stamped “Heaven” while still walking the streets of earth. |
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