Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles . . .
I Peter 2:11-12
The Bible refers to followers of Christ as foreigners in this world. Christians living in the diaspora of the late first century, those who scattered (“dispersed”) abroad under Nero’s persecution, would undoubtedly have understood that they had been displaced. However, the idea of “foreigner” went well beyond the geographical to the spiritual.
The foreign aspects of the identity of Christians stand as a direct consequence of faith in Jesus Christ. As emphasized in the previous verses (I Peter 2:9-10), the identity of Christians as a “holy nation” indicated a contradistinction to the former life (without Christ). Once in spiritual darkness because of sin, the true believer has been brought into God’s marvelous light though Jesus Christ our Lord. And Peter rightly acknowledged that this is because of God’s mercy. Now, we are distinguished spiritually as not of this present world and culture – so much so, that we are like aliens in a foreign land. We are foreigners before a world darkened by sin.
The traditional idea of a foreigner in Peter’s day, whether displaced to reside in another land or just passing through as a traveler, represented one who did not participate in the values and customs of the host culture. Because of this, foreigners were observable and very noticeable in ways that preserved their true identity.
The Spiritual application represents the call to abstain from fleshly desires of the present culture before which the believer stands as a foreigner. Also, the believer in Christ must conduct him or herself in a way distinguished from the present culture so that others will “observe your good works and glorify God.” In this world, the goal in persecution, sufferings, and difficulties stands as the preservation of your true identity as a follower of Jesus. You are of another life, another Kingdom, another world – you are not of this world, but of our Heavenly home. And this must be observable so that many others will be drawn to the light of Christ shining through you, and thus become prepared for the day of God’s visitation – when Christ returns.
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 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.” (I Peter 2:11-12)
So, today, resolve to live as foreigners and aliens in this world. You are a sojourner. You are just passing through. In your temporary residence, love and live well. As Jesus Himself instructed,
“Let your light so shine before men so that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Blessings.
