Wednesday, June 26, 2024

We Aren't Home Yet

Dale Buchanan

Devotional #16 in 1 Peter

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12 KJV)

How wonderful it is to come home, away from the crowds, the workplace, and the busy bustle of everyday life. 
To arrive home, sit down on the recliner and relax. 
But wait, Christian! You aren't home yet.

Peter calls us strangers and pilgrims. 
This world is not our home. 
Our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) 
Our life on earth is only a temporary stop-over until we get to our real and eternal home. 
Don't get bogged down in the daily life here. 
Don't give in to fleshy lusts and momentary pleasures. 
They war against your soul, pull you away from God, and distract you. Don't give unbelievers a valid reason for criticizing you. 
The Word of God commands, 

"Set your affections on things above" (Colossians 3:2). 
Christ is our life, and we must focus on Him.

Besides looking forward to our heavenly home, we have an essential purpose right now. 
We ought to live such a life that unbelievers will see our good works and lifestyle and then glorify God. 
Don't let anything you do or say "muddy up" the unbelievers' view of what a Christian is.
 
Then, pray, work, and witness to bring unbelievers to Christ.

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