Working A Temporary Job

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed . . . chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:1-2, HCSB

OFTEN WHEN WE READ an epistle from the New Testament, we skip over the introductory verses. But there are golden nuggets of truth to be found there as well. Take the opening sentence that the apostle Peter wrote to Christians dispersed across Asia Minor. He wrote to the “temporary residents” there. Peter fully recognized that our eternal home will be in heaven, not on earth. And he spent the rest of his letter reminding his fellow Christians to plan for their future and not be discouraged by their present suffering.

The Greek word for a temporary resident in a strange land is paroikos. This was a sojourner, a man who was in a foreign place but whose thoughts were turned toward his home. A Christian man is one whose eyes are turned toward God and whose loyalty extends beyond the loyalties of this life.

This doesn’t mean that we withdraw from this world, but it does mean that we live in light of eternity and see ourselves on a journey toward God. This world is like a bridge. A wise man will walk over it, but he will not build his house on it. This helps us keep the things of this world in proper perspective.

So live in this world. Enjoy it. But you will never own it, so don’t waste your time trying to create a permanent home here. You live in the “now and not yet,” journeying through this present transitory life as a spiritual pilgrim.

BOTTOM LINE

You won’t mind the journey so much when you know the road leads to your ultimate home.

Moment of Strength: Hebrews 11:8-16