Christian Exiles (#106 of 365+)

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to… live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify
God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:11-12)

Corrupt politician. Fraudulent investment advisor. Adulterous pro athlete. Promiscuous movie star. These stories make headlines and gossip columns so often they’re becoming commonplace.

Partial-birth abortion. Human trafficking. Child abuse. Pornography. Drug cartel slayings. Acts of terrorism. These stories and issues still stop me dead in my tracks every time.

“We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19)

How can one Christian hope to change a godless and immoral nation, or a culture that is increasingly anti-Christ? In today’s scripture verses Peter reminded believers they were citizens of another world, or “aliens and strangers” here (v.11). Joni quoted Dr. John Piper’s descriptive term for believers: “Christian exiles”. These labels go against the grain. Human beings naturally want to feel accepted, that we fit in somehow. Some of us will buy and read How to Win Friends and Influence People to follow a formula for success. But the world’s measure of success just isn’t up to par. God has much bigger plans for us.

“For we are… created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)

The Christian’s life isn’t a success when we focus on success. Quite the opposite! Instead, we should embrace the station we find ourselves in, the one in which God placed us for a reason. We’ll see fruit when we do what Jesus Christ commanded (John 15:12, Matthew 28:19) and when we welcome the Holy Spirit’s fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19). As Dr. John Piper said, “The greatness of Christian exiles is not success, but service. Whether we win or lose, we witness to the way of truth, beauty and joy. We don’t own culture, and we don’t rule it. We serve it with joy and mercy, for the good of man and the glory of Jesus Christ”.

Lord, show me ways that I can serve you this week through delightful acts of kindness to others. Help me to be balanced when showing mercy—by always taking a firm stand against error and wrongdoing but revealing a compassionate and forgiving heart. May I represent you well! Amen.