Sojourners and Strangers

Much seems to be happening in our culture that will call out those who are lethargic in the Christian faith. It may be that we will be called out as Christians as the culture becomes increasingly hostile and incredulous toward the Christian worldview. Much has been said recently on the various issues we are facing, with a great deal of deft and clarity. This quote from Hudson Taylor also reminded me that to look and sound different from our surrounding milieu is quite the normal thing in the Christian life. We are called not to forsake such a posture, but to live consistently as Christians, no matter what kinds of pressures we may face. Are we living in light of eternity? Do we hold loosely to the things of this world in order to make maximal kingdom impact? May we be a kingdom-minded people with a war-time mentality that takes seriously the call to action and good stewardship as Christians.

“…we are not only to renounce evil, but to manifest the truth. Bring it to the front; speak the Truth; live the Truth. We tell this people the world is vain; let our lives manifest that it is so. We tell them that our Home is above — that all these things are transitory — does our dwelling look like it? O to live consistent lives! The life of the Apostle was thoroughly consistent. Every one saw that he was a stranger and a sojourner; no one could feel that his home was here; all saw that it was up there.”

Jeremy Kimble (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University. He is an editor for Credo Magazine as well as the author of That His Spirit May Be Saved: Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverance and numerous book reviews. He is married to Rachel and has two children, Hannah and Jonathan.