We are Temporary Residents

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.“ 1 Peter 2:11 NLT

In a story titled “Runner passing through southern Illinois on his trip across U.S.” posted by the Paducah Sun yesterday, it was reported that a man who’s running 3,500 miles across the United States — for the fourth time — is passing through southern Illinois. Noah Coughlan’s Run For Revival is a “167 day tribute to the American soldier,” according to his website. He started the run on Memorial Day in Seattle, Washington, and aims to be in Miami, Florida by Veterans Day… According to his website, Coughlan aims to become the fifth person to cross the U.S. on foot four times… Along the way, he’s stopping to chat with Veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders, non-profit organizations, and others. Wow right? I’m sure there will be lots of people lined up to meet the runner as he’s “passing through” on the way to his final stop. 

And you know, Noah isn’t the only person who’s just “passing through” on the way to their final stop. Believers are as well. In fact, Peter reminded us that followers of Christ aren’t citizens of this world but “temporary residents and foreigners” who are “to keep away from worldly desires that wage war” against their very souls. You see, you and I must abstain from fleshly lusts that lead to spiritual death but can only do so when we live as sojourners and pilgrims in the land, totally set apart from the customs and ways of the world, recognizing that this world isn’t our home as we journey to our final stop in heaven. 

So don’t get too settled in my friend. You and I are only here for a short time. But while we’re here, let us do as much good as we can to as many people as we can so that many of the people who consider this world to be their home would be inspired to transfer their citizenship to heaven before it’s too late. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for preparing a place for us that will be greater than our imagination. Help us to keep our eyes focused on heaven Lord that we might run the race with purpose, not veering off-course even for a moment to follow the ways of the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!