In a world where those who are “chosen” and “selected” often reap the benefits of preferential treatment and due honor, it may seem odd that Peter associates “those who are chosen” with “those who are living as exiles.” The word exile refers to someone who doesn’t belong – strangers living away from their homeland. How is it that those who are esteemed are also marginalized? In order to answer this question, we must properly identify where the Christian’s home really is.

A Christian’s true homeland is in the coming kingdom with Christ. It makes sense then that these Christians, whom God chose in Christ to be a part of His family, were considered exiles on earth. Earth, as it exists during this age, wasn’t their home, and these Christians who were dispersed due to persecution understood this very clearly, as they were hated and rejected because of it.

If we choose to treat this world as our home, we may receive our preferential treatment and due honor here. However, when we live for Christ, we will be rejected by the world, but we will receive praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed to all (1 Peter 1:7).

How do you treat this current world as your home? What is God calling you to change?