Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
– 1 Peter 2:11
Peter speaks to us like family, dearly beloved, because he knows this world is not our final home. We walk through it as travelers, carrying heaven’s light in earthly bodies. And because we belong to another Kingdom, there are desires, impulses, and temptations that simply don’t fit who we are becoming. These “fleshly lusts” aren’t just the obvious sins. They include anything that pulls our attention, affection, or identity away from God, resentment, pride, comparison, fear, self‑indulgence, or the need to be right. They wage war quietly, trying to drain peace, cloud judgment, and weaken our witness. But Peter doesn’t shame us. He beseeches us, gently urging us to remember who we are: Loved. Chosen. Passing through. Protected by God. When we abstain, we’re not losing anything. We’re guarding the soul God is shaping.
Lord Jesus, remind me that I am Yours and just passing through this world. Strengthen me to turn away from anything that wages war against my soul. Keep my heart clean, my mind steady, and my steps aligned with Your Spirit. Help me walk as Your beloved pilgrim, shining Your light with peace and purpose. Amen.
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