“If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear, knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ”
1 Peter 1: 17 -19
Our world is full of partiality and bias. It’s a place where one’s value is determined by aligning with the latest cause and keeping up with constantly changing standards. It’s a place where what we think will fulfill us, be it money, power, or fame, always betrays us in the end. I for one am glad our God is nothing like the world.
He is just, impartial, and unwavering. In Him there is “no variation, nor turning shadow” (James 1:17) His judgement is neither blinded nor skewed by a person’s social status. Despite being guilty of sin and deserving of the penalty (Romans 3:23- 24, Romans 5:8 ) God sent his Son to redeem all mankind through an eternal sacrifice. One that does not depreciate over time or lose relevance like a passing fad. As new creatures redeemed by Christ, our citizenship is in Heaven.
We are called to “pass the time of your living as foreigners” or sojourners. This world should be a strange land in which we don’t fit in or belong. We must ask ourselves daily “Am I living as a foreigner or am I indistinguishable from the citizen of the world?” We must also test our motives. Are our actions out of reverence for God or a desire for man’s approval? If we do not keep our minds ready for action and bodies obedient to Christ (1 Peter 1:13-14) we will forget that this world is not our home, and those who serve it are not our people.
Thank you for reading! I hope revisiting this short devotion from the Spring 2021 Newsletter encouraged you today. I pray you continue to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ living set apart from the things of this world.