1 Peter 2:11-12

Dear Brethren,

The life of a Christian is that of a person on a long journey. After this traveler is born, he begins his journey in a foreign land while his citizenship lies elsewhere. For this traveler, this pilgrim, it is crucial that he does not become entangled in the affairs of the foreign land. No matter what happens, he must always remember his true home, the place of his citizenship.

For the Christian, his citizenship lies in heaven. In his letter to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, NKJV) Christians must always remember that their home is in heaven, the place of their citizenship. As a result, it is necessary that Christians keep themselves from getting entangled in the lusts of the world. Christians must recognize and acknowledge what the Bible declares to be wrong. They must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

This world is filled with many temptations to lure Christians from the path to heaven, temptations from which Christians must abstain. Christians must keep their eye on the goal of heaven and on their service to God. Here is 1 Peter 2:11-12 presented for your consideration.

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.

In Love,

John Duvall