Peter reminds believers that they are only “sojourners” on earth. Life is too short to waste in disobedience and sin. It was when Lot stopped being a sojourner and became a resident in Sodom that he lost his consecration and his testimony.

Everything he lived for went up in smoke! Keep reminding yourself that you are a “stranger and pilgrim” in this world. In view of the fact that the Father lovingly disciplines His children today, and will judge their works in the future, we ought to cultivate an attitude of godly fear.

This is not the cringing fear of a slave before a master, but the loving reverence of a child before his father. It is not fear of judgment, but a fear of disappointing Him or sinning against His love. It is “godly fear,” a sober reverence for the Father.

Scripture for today: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 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, NIV).

Find and read: 1 Peter 4:1-6; 1 John 4:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Action assignment: Write out your definition of sojourn, and compare your definition with that of a good dictionary. Decide whether you are a sojourner. Ask the Lord if He would have you make any adjustments in your attitude in this matter.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in