Here on a Work Visa: A Commentary on Peter's First Letter

Being a Christian in the modern world seems often to be an uphill battle. By the thinking of this world, Christians don't fit in and likely, never will. They are set apart, but it seems they have been set apart by God. Christians are set apart for kingdom level love and selflessness. This is and always has been God's calling for His elect. With Christ as the cornerstone, Christians are set free to do so much more than just the basics of religion, instead, the calling is to a religion which focuses on the poor, hungry, naked, and destitute.

In this world, struggles are promised for everyone but putting faith in Christ who has overcome the world will allow us to see and do more in this world. When we suffer, we are connected to God through Christ, who came and suffered so we could have a God who empathizes with us. The suffering we face isn't always just, but God finds it commendable for us to face unjust suffering with resolve, and through our suffering, we gain the crown of life.

By the thinking of this world, suffering makes one a victim, but in God's kingdom, forgiveness is supreme. The story of the perfect victim is found in Isaiah Chapter 53, and he returned from his grave to give freedom from debts, and forgiveness of sins. In our tenacity through suffering, we find God and we see His face. All tears are wiped, and all pain is reconciled through Christ, who makes everything whole again. It is by "his stripes" we have been healed

Good deeds prepared in advance are part of a life in Christ, and as his royal priesthood, Christians are set free to walk in them. The 'true fast' of God's children is not seen but felt by everyone who receives the light from men and women who've become living sacrifices for God. The religion, pure and holy in God's eyes is to take care of widows and orphans. In this, the entire law of God is fulfilled, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we have hope in this way of life, given to us by God. Our works don't get us into heaven, but we do good works because we've already been accepted.

We are citizens of God's kingdom, and as such, living here on earth is like being a foreigner or a stranger among those who are not yet saved. It is as though we are sent here with a work visa to be the hands and feet of Christ, allowing him to work through us. This is not an easy task as we face an unforgiving world, but in humility we accept whatever is thrown at us with a hope in our heart and a reason for that hope. We give all thanks to God and forward all glory onto Him, knowing the joy set before us is so much more than the temporary trials we face.