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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week, we attempted to discover our place in the world by studying the lyrics found in Petra’s recording of “Not of This World,” and Andrew Peterson’s newer release of “The Far Country”; which echo several references made by Peter (and others) to Christians about matching their expectations for success in the world with God’s expectations of righteousness and separation from the world.
The first line from, “Not Of This World,” claims that we are “pilgrims in a strange land” - that we are foreigners who don’t belong! Peter admonishing us, “…as aliens (or pilgrims – KJ) and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans (or unbelievers) that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, (or being weird) they may see your good deeds and glorify God,…” 1 Peter 2:11,12 (see also Exodus 6:1-6; Hebrews 11:13)
The alternative rendering of “pilgrims” is worth looking in to, not contrary in any way but adding to our understanding of what God expects of us. Pilgrims usually conjure up visions of English Puritans, who founded Plymouth colony in 1620, readily exemplifying a pilgrim as a wanderer - one living somewhere new, where they don’t “belong.” Spiritually they were very much like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who left the comforts and familiarity of home to live in tents as nomads; traveling the length and breadth of their new home but never fully possessing it. Patterning ourselves after such men, we must learn to fully appreciate the blessings we receive along our way, making full use of them to benefit ourselves and all those about us; but we should never see the next bend in the road as the final destination of our journey. We are heaven-bound (the title of a DC Talk song a few years back), this earth is not our home, but merely the place we spend a short span of our everlasting lives being prepared for eternity with God.
We are indeed on a journey to a heavenly home and place of worship. We can and should appreciate and enjoy God’s provision for us here on this beautiful world he has created, but never be so dazzled by its beauty as to ignore the surpassing glory of heaven. Earth is transitory, and while we should never waste or neglect what we’ve been entrusted with, we must be concerned and active in the cause of Christ first and foremost. Like the pilgrim traveler of old – stopping, setting up their tents, interacting with those around them – we must be ever vigilant and sensitive to God’s will, ready to break camp and move on to our ultimate destination. Wouldn’t that make us seem peculiar? Probably, but being peculiar doesn’t necessarily mean being weird or strangely odd. It can mean exclusive, special; often designating a particular person or group of people as being distinct because of what they do and how they do it. The word for peculiar often translated as “treasured”, indicating a distinctive, one-of-a-kind beauty. I like that.
God assured the Israelites, “…if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. (a peculiar treasure KJ) Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex.19:5,6 (See also Deuteronomy 4:2) Peter used similar terminology, conferring those same characteristic on Christians. “… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,” (a peculiar people belonging to God KJ) Why? “… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 Paul, in writing to Titus again uses these same phrases in explaining our purpose as Christians and to encourage us in our daily lives. “…Jesus Christ, …gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, (or a peculiar people KJ) eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:14
We are to be a purpose-driven people, certainly not exclusive in the sense of being set aside and admired but set apart to do a specific job; special not because of who we are but because of who he is and thus to whom we belong. As a result, we may very well be perceived as being odd and strange – even peculiar by some. But we must respond to this call positively or risk losing the accompanying benefits of blessing. If the world responds positively - Praise God! If the world reacts negatively, that’s their choice; but we must continue to proclaim it none-the-less.
Paul declares, “…if we are children, (of God) then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may share in His glory.” Romans 8:17 And Jesus warned of the possible negative reaction of the world to his/our witness and lifestyle. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it’s own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:18-20
Finally, let’s look at the phrase, ‘not of this world’. The world in this sense not necessarily meaning the earth or the people of the earth. It does however speak of the natural instincts and lusts which drive us to do so much of what we do that are so inter-connected with the sin-nature of man. That is the domain ruled by Satan and dominated by selfish need and the lust for position, possessions and people; accentuated by an uncaring attitude for God and godly things. This is the world of which we must be separate: Anything or anyone holding precedence over God in Christ and his purpose for our lives. For, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8 Therefore, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful men, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the father but from the world. The world and it’s desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2: 15-17
As strangers, alien to this world; foreigners and pilgrims who wander through this earth; envoys and ambassadors of God Almighty through Jesus Christ our Lord; we look “…forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13 “Consequently, (we) are no longer foreigners or aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,…” Ephesians 2:19
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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