Called To Be A Foreigner

‍Living as Strangers in a Strange Land: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship

The apostle Peter, in his first epistle, paints a vivid picture of this divine calling for us as believers. He writes, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

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Let's unpack this rich verse. First, notice the collective language - "you are a chosen people." This isn't about individual selection, but rather God's foreordained plan to have a people serving Him on earth. We, as individuals, choose to be part of this chosen group through our faith and commitment to follow Christ.

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The imagery of a "royal priesthood" is particularly striking. In the Old Testament, priests and kings had distinct roles. But in Christ, we're given both priestly and kingly authority. As priests, we have direct access to God - no intermediary required. As royalty, we're called to exercise spiritual authority in this world.

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Being a "holy nation" speaks to our new identity in Christ. No longer defined by ethnicity or background, we're united as one people under God's banner. This new citizenship transcends earthly borders and unites believers from every tribe and tongue.

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But with this heavenly citizenship comes a tension - we're called to live as "aliens and strangers in the world" (1 Peter 2:11). This isn't a call to isolate ourselves, but rather to recognize that our values, priorities, and ultimate allegiance lie elsewhere.

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Think about what it means to be a foreigner in another country. There's often a sense of discomfort, a struggle to fit in, and a longing for home. As believers, we should expect to feel some of this spiritual "culture shock" as we navigate a world that often operates contrary to God's ways.

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Peter goes on to urge us to "abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (1 Peter 2:11). This is where the rubber meets the road in our journey as heavenly citizens. We're called to wage war against the parts of us that still cling to earthly ways of thinking and behaving.

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This internal battle is real and ongoing. It's a war for our souls, fought in the trenches of our daily choices and desires. The comfort and familiarity of our old ways can be alluring, but we're called to a higher standard - one that aligns with our true identity in Christ.

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Abstaining from sinful desires isn't about joyless restriction. Rather, it's about embracing true freedom. Just as a recovering addict finds liberation in saying "no" to harmful substances, we find spiritual freedom in resisting the pull of our lower nature. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

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Living as strangers in this world means being willing to stand out, to go against the grain when necessary. It means cultivating a heart that longs for the things of God more than the fleeting pleasures of this world. It's about developing a holy discomfort with sin and darkness, even as we engage lovingly with the world around us.

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But here's the beautiful paradox - as we embrace our identity as "aliens and strangers," we become most effective in reaching those around us. Peter encourages believers to "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Peter 2:12).

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Our distinctiveness, when lived out with grace and love, becomes attractive. People notice when someone isn't driven by the same fears, insecurities, and selfish ambitions that plague so many. They're drawn to the genuine joy, peace, and purpose that flow from a life surrendered to God.

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This doesn't mean we're called to be killjoys or constantly pointing out others' faults. Instead, we're to be the freedom bringer... the life of the party... the one full of joy... the one full of the goodness of God. Our lives should exude such genuine goodness that it makes others curious about the source of our hope.

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Living as heavenly citizens in a fallen world requires intentionality. It means regularly asking ourselves hard questions:

- Have I become too comfortable with the ways of this world?

- What sinful desires am I struggling to abstain from?

- How can I shine God's light more brightly in my workplace, neighborhood, or family?

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It's about cultivating a holy dissatisfaction with the status quo, both in our own lives and in the world around us. We're called to be agents of change, bringing glimpses of God's kingdom wherever we go.

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This journey isn't always easy. There will be times when we feel out of place, misunderstood, or even persecuted for our faith. But we're not alone. We're part of a "chosen people," a community of believers who can encourage and support one another in this counter-cultural calling.

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Moreover, we have the promise of our true home awaiting us. Imagine a place with no pride, no lust, no greed - where love reigns supreme and we're fully known and accepted. That's the reality we're moving towards, and it's what sustains us in our earthly pilgrimage.

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As we navigate life as "aliens and strangers," may we never lose sight of our true citizenship. May we live in such a way that others catch glimpses of God's kingdom through our words and actions. And may we find deep joy in the journey, knowing that every step brings us closer to our eternal home.

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Let's embrace our identity as God's chosen people, living as bright lights in a dark world. For in doing so, we not only find our truest selves but also invite others to experience the transforming love of God.

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Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

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Day 1: Chosen for a Purpose

Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

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Devotional: As we read these powerful verses, we're reminded that God has chosen us with intention. We are not random individuals, but a collective body of believers set apart for His purposes. Reflect on what it means to be part of a "chosen people" and a "royal priesthood." How does this identity change the way you view yourself and your role in the world? Today, consider how you can live out your calling as part of God's holy nation, declaring His praises in your everyday life.

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Day 2: Living as Strangers in a Strange Land

Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-12, John 17:14-19

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Devotional: Peter urges us to live as "aliens and strangers" in this world. Jesus similarly prayed that we would be in the world but not of it. This can feel uncomfortable, but it's a vital part of our Christian walk. Think about areas in your life where you've become too comfortable with worldly patterns or thinking. How can you begin to shift your perspective to align more with God's kingdom values? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern where you need to "abstain from sinful desires" and live in a way that glorifies God.

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Day 3: The Royal Priesthood

Reading: Exodus 19:5-6, Revelation 1:5-6

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Devotional: The concept of believers as a "royal priesthood" spans from the Old Testament to the New. This role combines both authority and service. In Christ, we have direct access to God and are called to minister to others. How does this dual identity of royalty and priesthood challenge or encourage you? Consider how you can exercise your spiritual authority today while also serving those around you with humility and love.

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Day 4: From Darkness to Light

Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14, Colossians 1:13-14

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Devotional: God has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. This transformation is at the heart of our salvation story. Reflect on your own journey from darkness to light. What areas of "darkness" is God still working on in your life? How can you actively participate in walking as a "child of light"? Ask God to illuminate any hidden areas of darkness and to empower you to shine His light more brightly in your sphere of influence.

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Day 5: Waging War Against the Soul

Reading: Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:16-25

Devotional: Peter speaks of sinful desires that "war against your soul." Paul elaborates on this internal struggle in today's readings. This battle is real and ongoing for every believer. What specific desires or temptations do you find yourself wrestling with most often? Remember, in Christ, you have the power to say "no" to sin. Spend time in prayer, asking God for strength in your areas of weakness. Commit to "walking by the Spirit" today, allowing God's power to work in and through you to overcome the flesh.

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