1 Peter 2:9-12:  “9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. ”

When traveling overseas, fairly often you will find yourself sitting perhaps in an area of public transportation, city square, or a restaurant, absorbing the environment you are in.  You may feel quite safe there.  You may even recognize a few words now and then from the native language.  However, deep inside you know “I don’t belong here”.  You don’t fully understand the language the majority of passers by are speaking.  You may be able to navigate sufficiently in the area but the surroundings aren’t familiar.  You aren’t home.

In those foreign lands I rely heavily on my host as he or she is more accustomed to the “laws of the land”:  what is acceptable here?  what should I say?  what should I not say?  what should I wear?  what will offend the people of this land?  The host also knows how to navigate from one place to another, giving directions for driving and sightseeing.  Still I am limited on what I can truly identify with.  I am simply there to visit.

As believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded often throughout the Word of God that we are not home yet.  We are not citizens of earth on our way to Heaven.  We are citizens of Heaven, just passing through earth.  Therefore, we must rely upon our host, the Holy Ghost, to give us direction.  We cannot allow the world’s standard to be our guide.  We must “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of (our) minds, that (we) may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

What are you allowing to be your primary guide on this journey through earth?  Have you become desensitized to what disturbs the Holy Spirit because of its familiarity in this world?  What words easily flow from your mouth?  What are your common activities for your recreational time?  These lifestyle choices must be governed by the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit.   We are simply sojourners by the Spirit.

Filled with the Spirit.  Driven by Conviction.
Yours for Souls,
Chresten