Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims

Many are familiar with the story of the pilgrims who arrived on our shores nearly 400 years ago. The stories as recounted typically focus on the difficulty of the journey, the hardships they endured after arrival and the eventual bounty and thanksgiving they enjoyed after they were more established living here. What is often overlooked is the difficulty of initial interactions with the natives and the process by which they ceased being pilgrims.

One of the descriptions of our life here is that of being a pilgrim. In 1 Peter 2:10-12 (ESV), Peter writes, "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Other translations render "sojourners and exiles" as strangers, pilgrims, aliens, and foreigners.

The message that Peter records for us is plain. These words are used not to describe an ideal state or a theoretical condition, rather this is a simple statement of fact. Those to whom this letter was written are pilgrims. In some cases, we might learn a particular lesson from the specific circumstances of the intended audience of a letter. There is often a cultural or community aspect that enforces a particular nuance of the plain language that is used. In this instance, the important piece of background information about the original recipients of this message is simple * they are Christians.

Many of the same stories we heard about the English pilgrims apply to Christian pilgrims today. Our journey through this life is promised to be characterized with suffering (1 Peter 4:12-19) instead of being an easy journey as many today proclaim. Upon beginning our journey as pilgrims we will endure hardships and opposition from the natives here * those who cling to the ways of this world (1 Peter 4:1-5). The pilgrims of old were seeking refuge from many sorts of persecution and looked for a place to live without interference in their lives. We too seek a haven from the obstacles we're presented with and the temptations we face from the world and often find this relief and encouragement with brethren (Hebrews 10:19-25, Ephesians 5:16-17).

Where we must differ from these is our recognition that "this world is not my home." The pilgrims were happy to leave behind the challenges they faced and look forward to a new home here. As they settled, they became acquainted with the natives and were accepted by them. We must be certain that we never seek to be comfortable in this world. It is the very recognition that a life of sin is not fulfilling that prompts a change in our lives. When we realize the gaping hole that exists in life that is not filled by any of the things or activities we vainly attempt to use for satisfaction, then we realize our need for God. It is in this realization that we find ourselves uncomfortable in the world and its ways and seek the answer to our problems.

That is the one commonality between all of our words translating the thoughts expressed in 1 Peter 2-- strangers, aliens, exiles, foreigners, sojourners, pilgrims-- is that we are different, we don't belong here! It is this very difference that we should not only seek, but we should embrace.

So, we must consider our lives and see if we are different from the world around us. Are we living as directed by the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:29 to be conformed to the image of Christ-- bearing his imprint, fit exactly to the mold defined by his attitude, words, and actions? Are we putting aside the distractions of this world, emptying ourselves of the selfish pursuits of this life and instead being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)? If we can't answer these questions affirmatively, then we've fallen short of what God expects of us. We've become too comfortable with the natives and the surroundings here and forgotten that we are to only be sojourners-- temporary laborers-- working to implement God's will on earth as it is in heaven.

Don't just accept the actions or traditions of any institution in this life at face value-- that is the way of this world. We need to evaluate our lives in every aspect-- as individuals, spouses, parents, children, employees, brethren, and citizens-- and measure them against God's standards. We aren't just straying pilgrims, we're intent on the path that leads to eternal life and need to make sure we aren't just saying those words, but showing that in our thoughts and deeds every day.

Ben Hastings

2009 Fall Meeting

We invite you to a series of lessons from 1 Peter 2:9 by Ben Hastings of Dayton, Ohio.

Your Role in the Kingdom

Friday, Sept. 11, 7:30pm: I Choose You -- A Chosen Race
Saturday, Sept. 12, 7:30pm: Ministers to the King -- A Royal Priesthood
Sunday, Sept. 13, 10:30am: People With a Purpose -- Holy Nation
Sunday, Sept. 13, 6:00pm: My Favorite Thing -- People for His Own Possession

Please come, and bring a friend!

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

Please click here to return to the 2009 archive of Good News for Norwalk, or click here to return to the main page of Good News for Norwalk. Thanks!