Are You A Pilgrim?

Terry W. Benton

Peter writes with the authority of an “apostle” of Jesus Christ and he writes to the Christians who were scattered. In 1 Peter 1:1, Peter speaks of “pilgrims of the dispersion.” He was likely speaking of the Christians who had been scattered since the days when persecution had scattered the church everywhere (See Acts 8:1ff). Many of these brethren had to leave their homes in order to keep their faith and family together.

A pilgrim sees himself as on a journey. The houses he happens to stay in are viewed as temporary places to stop on his way to the enduring land he seeks. Many of us in these prosperous United States have come to think of ourselves as permanent residents of our homes. We work and live as if it is all about having and keeping this house. We allow ourselves to become slaves of material things. One day all of this stuff is going to burn up. Our children will need “faith” in God and spiritual directions for living.

We need to see ourselves as pilgrims, just passing through this world, on our way to the more permanent home prepared for God’s people. Do you really view yourself as a “pilgrim”? Is your heart set on going to heaven? Do people you live with KNOW that your heart is set on something greater than this world offers? How can you really be a pilgrim if no one you work with or no one you live with knows that your heart is set on going to heaven? Pilgrims make preparations for their journey. What kind of preparations are you making for heaven?