1 Peter 2:11(KJV)
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Apostle Peter in the above Scripture urges us to stop thinking of ourselves as locals here on earth, but as people who are not from around here. He wrote that the most effective way to make maximum impact is to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. As pilgrims, we are travelers, on the move because we are primarily citizens of Heaven. It is written in Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Our citizenship is of Heaven, not of the earth. Although our civic responsibilities are important, they are always secondary to our allegiance to the Lord. Knowing that we are just passing through and realizing our identity helps us know what to do when certain temptations come our way. When we live with the full knowledge that this world is not our home, we live a righteous life.
As Christians with Christ as our foundation stone we are to abstain from our selfishness and desire to sin. That is, we are to live as people who no longer fit naturally into the thinking and practices of the world around us. Colossians 3:1-2 says “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Setting our mind on things above helps us remember our true home in God’s Kingdom, where we will gather together standing before God’s Throne and the Lamb. Being God’s children is our most essential role, and when we prioritize this relationship above all else, we gain an accurate perspective of life, no matter what is happening in our world. There will still be sinful attractions in many of the things unbelievers do, and wrong desires will still rise up from our own hearts. However, as we see all challenges confronting our world on a daily basis, there is the need for all Christians to come into a higher level of uncompromising commitment to the Shepherd of our souls. There is the need to connect with God in intimacy. All those things which can easily distract us from reaching the ultimate height of God for our lives must be prevented. We are ambassadors for Christ here on earth but for a moment, and then we will be in Heaven, our true and eternal home with Jesus.
Beloved, as vessels unto honor, you must not allow the nature of rebellion to find expression in you because you are the Lord’s own. You are called to seek His Kingdom first, regardless of your nationality. Your life is built on character, and character is built on choices. Every decision you make, large or small, shapes your life. So, live in a way that you make the biggest impact you can on an unbelieving world. Live a gracious, godly life and say no to the things that war against your soul. You are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s special possession and your entire desire is to please and glorify God. Layup treasure before God and do what you can defend before Him. Today, set your mind on the things above to experience peace, joy, increase, promotion, abundance, enlargement, abundance, deliverance and prosperity.
O Lord, I receive the grace to live my life with eternity in view, help me to abstain from every form of ungodliness in Jesus’ Name.