A Disciple's Journeyનમૂનો

Sojourners and Exiles

Peter goes on to describe more implications of the Christian perspective. It means we don’t run around scared or afraid when we encounter opposition; we count ourselves blessed (1 Peter 3:13–14). Our response is to gently and respectfully offer an explanation of our hope any time we’re given the opportunity, keeping a good conscience, so that the quality of our lives will ultimately bring honor to Christ and shame on anyone who criticizes or spreads rumors about us (1 Peter 3:15–17). We rejoice in our sufferings because our Lord himself suffered, and we know we will one day “rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 5:13). Instead of fighting for position and for glory in this life, we can “entrust” our “souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).

This actually leads to a paradox. When we detach ourselves from this world, when we stop trying to find our journey’s destination in this life, we’re happier now. We enjoy this life more. C.S. Lewis said something like this once: if you aim at Heaven, you will get earth thrown in. But if you aim at earth, you’ll get neither. When we try to make a Heaven out of this world, we lose this world and we lose Heaven. But when we aim our lives and hopes at God, at eternal life with him, we end up living better lives right now and being happier in this life.

That’s what Peter has in mind here. We give a compelling Christian witness to the world when they see us living peaceful, honorable, exemplary lives. When they see our joy, our patience, and our gentleness, it makes them want to sojourn with us, to take the disciple’s journey, to go toward the same destination where we’re headed.