Living as Strangers in This World

Living as strangers in this world reminds us that our true home is in Heaven, where God’s Kingdom shapes our priorities and identity.

“I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts … Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you … they may because of your good deeds … glorify God in the day of visitation.”—1 Peter 2:11–12 NASB

From the opening words of his letter, Peter wanted to reinforce one important truth. He began by referring to his readers as “strangers” (1 Peter 1:1). Later, he reminded them that they were “foreigners and strangers.” These words describe the truth that we’re strangers in this world—just “temporary residents” (NLT).

This is true for every believer, no matter who we are or what we do. All of us are “foreigners”—or “temporary residents” (NLT)—in this world. We are called to be servants and ambassadors of God’s Kingdom.

This doesn’t mean we don’t care about our culture or aren’t involved in its woes. But because we’re “strangers,” we must not become overly attached to the things of this world. Our lives should demonstrate that we are different.

We’re under no obligation to follow the world’s ways or imitate the lifestyles of the people around us. Instead, we should live such holy lives that people see Jesus in us and recognize that we’re different. We also need to realize that our treasure is not in this world, but in Heaven.

Today, remember that you are a foreigner … a stranger. You’re a new creature in Christ, formed in His image. He’s given you a new mind and a new heart.

Seek first God’s Kingdom. Don’t allow worldly attachments to control you. Ask the Lord to help you live in such a way that others will know He’s real.

Reflection Question: How does seeing yourself as a stranger in this world change how you live?