Scripture uses a number of figures and metaphors to paint portraits for us that illustrate what being a disciple of Christ is about. Among these is the phrase “sojourners and pilgrims” used in 1 Peter 2:11.
These words emphasize the fact that this world is not our permanent home. The faithful Christian understands that while our time on earth has great significance, it is just a temporary pilgrimage. We may have temporal citizenship of some place here on earth, but ultimately “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). Given that Christians are sojourners and pilgrims on earth, we ought not “mind earthly things” like those condemned in Philippians 3:19. Instead, we should set our “affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). Since this world is not our permanent home, sojourners and pilgrims must refrain from the worldliness that most people are given to. This is connected to the exhortation given in 1 Peter 2:11. After referencing Christians as “sojourners and pilgrims,” the inspired apostle Peter commanded, “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” The lusts of the flesh are of the world (1 John 2:16), but the Christian sojourner is not. Sojourners and pilgrims live in the world, but are not of the world. Christ’s faithful followers belong to God, rather than to the world (cf. John 17:15-17).
The differences of those who don’t belong to the world are noticed by those who do. These differences are not something to be ashamed of, but can help lead those in darkness to the light (cf. 1 Pet. 2:12).
This isn’t to say that the differences in the lives of sojourners and pilgrims yield no hardships. Many who are of the world express hatred toward those who are not (John 15:18-19). Overcoming this is aided by ever looking to the permanent dwelling place of the faithful (cf. 2 Cor. 4:18).
– Michael Hickox