1 Peter 1:13-19
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
I spent two years on the MV Doulos, a missional ship that in the time I was on it travelled to 10+ different countries in Asia. Before arriving at a port, we would have ‘Port Orientation’, a training event for the ship’s crew where we were told about the customs of the land, some basic language, do’s and don’ts and anything else necessary to be able to be effective and not offensive in our ministry there.
In addition to living on board the ship for 2 years, I’ve grown up between three countries and find it hard to say where I’m from. Reflecting on this passage gives me comfort. Heaven is my home…. I really am a foreigner here. My final port will be heaven and I want to be oriented towards it. I want my life and what I do reflect my true identity, which is Child of God. I want to imitate Him, know Him, know the dos and don’ts. Not because I am saved through that. Jesus already lived the perfect life in my stead and gave his life as a perfect sacrifice in my stead so that I CAN be called citizen of heaven. Now I just want to live my true identity as his child and keep orienting myself towards my final destination my true home where I belong.
Petrina Rangiawha
