Temporary Residents
Friday, July 23, 2010
By Jean Stephens
Scripture:
11 Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that fight against your soul. 12 People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again. (1 Peter 2:11-12 NCV)
Observation:
Our time here on earth is temporary. We have all of eternity ahead of us. Trying to live in the world without the hope of eternity is truly hopeless. Remembering that we are ‘temporary residents’ here on earth is good.
Application:
Jim and I have lived in two countries where we were ‘temporary residents’ and so have a little understanding of what it means. For us it meant that we were always foreigners without the privileges of a resident. We did, after a few years, get permanent residency in the UK, but we were still not citizens. I want to remember that this world is not my home and to remember what I have to look forward to with God.
Prayer:
Thank you God, that as I live as a ‘temporary resident’ here on earth I can trust in you and do good and show your ways to those around me. But I so thank you that you have a place of permanent residence prepared for me and that I am a citizen of that place. I love you and you are my strength. AMEN
Lord as I pray and talk with you about problems and troubles; when I am afraid I know that you will help and show me the way out. Psalm 142:1-3