Sojourner

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12.2

How often this verse is thrown out yet how little it is actually lived out. To actually tear oneself away from culture and patterns of society in order that God's will may be known is a lot harder than what modern Christianity is. Would the disciples of Jesus actually recognize the Church today as ones who follow the Way? Even as one who strains to pull away from culture and into the wounds of Christ I find my nose being rubbed in the dirt of the spirit of this age, once again overcome by the quick, self- pleasing pleasures of the world.

We may say over and over again, do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6.19) yet look at our houses, look at our cars, look at our iPhones, look at our computers and programs, look at our clothes, look at our extravagant Caribbean vacations twice a year. Now turn your gaze to Jesus. Where was His vacation when for three years straight He travelled the Judean countryside and ministered? Why did He travel on foot instead of acquiring a shining chariot? Why didn't He live in a two thousand square foot home to entertain and teach those who came to Him, but instead He declared that, the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. (Luke 9:58)

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2.11 And I beg you, fellow lovers of Jesus, those who desire to experience the fullness of His love and delight over you. I beg you, I ask you to abstain from fleshly lusts. The gospel is offensive, it is not culturally relevant. The greatest marketing team consists of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If a place where the glory of God dwells and love of Christ abounds in the lives of those who serve the house of the Lord then certainly the lost, broken and outcast will find themselves at your doorstep. They will not come to a familiar place that smells, looks, and sounds just like every other trendy showcase out there. They will come where they can find acceptance no matter if extra grace is required. The hurting will come to know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge and understanding, where humility abounds and self-preservation and humanistic religion is cast out.

I pray that the Holy Spirit may open up our eyes, that we may see wondrous things from Your law, for we are strangers in the earth. Let us put on Christ and make no provision for our flesh. May we find the narrow path where the poor in spirit, meek, merciful, peacemakers not peacekeepers and pure in heart once found their way.