Pilgrims and strangers on this earthly ball

(J. C. Philpot)

"To God's elect, strangers in the world." 1 Peter 1:1

"Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear."
    1 Peter 1:17

Our life on earth is but a vapor! We are but pilgrims
and strangers on this earthly ball, mere sojourners,
without fixed or settled habitation, and passing through
this world as not our home or resting-place. The Apostle,
therefore, bids us pass this time, whether long or short,
of our earthly sojourn under the influence, and in the
exercise, of reverent fear.

We are surrounded with enemies, all seeking, as it
were, our life; and therefore we are called upon to
move with great caution, knowing how soon we may
slip and fall, and thus wound our own consciences,
grieve our friends, gratify our enemies, and bring
upon ourselves a cloud of darkness which may long
hover over our souls.

Our life here below is not one of ease and quiet--but
a warfare, a conflict, a race, a wrestling not with flesh
and blood alone, but with principalities and powers
and spiritual wickedness in high places. We have to
dread ourselves more than anything or anybody else,
and to view our flesh as our greatest enemy!

"Dear friends, I urge you, as pilgrims and strangers
 in the world, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which
 war against your soul." 1 Peter 2:11