Embracing a Pilgrim Mindset
Hello Everybody:
Today, I want to share some reflections from the first part of our sermon series, "Reclaiming the Pilgrim Mindset." This series is all about how we can live our Christian lives with simplicity, personal piety, and a focus on spiritual growth.
Let's start with a confession: I resisted wearing glasses for years. Vanity, stubbornness—call it what you will, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Then, one day, I gave in, and the world snapped into focus. I could read street signs from a distance, see the dashboard of my car without squinting, and yes, even notice the fine print on my grocery receipts. It was like moving from a blurry watercolor to high-definition reality.
This experience of sudden clarity made me think about our spiritual lives. Sometimes, we walk around half-blind, missing the details of God's work around us. But when we put on our spiritual bifocals, we start to see both the day-to-day and the divine with new clarity. It's a bit like realizing you’ve been driving through life with a dirty windshield.
In 1 Peter 2:9-12, Peter tells us that we are pilgrims and strangers in this world. Think of us as having dual citizenship: one foot in the physical world and one in the Kingdom of God. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and our mission is to declare God's praises and live out our dual identity purposefully.
Here are the practical steps I provided for how to "Embracing Double Vision:"
As we navigate our pilgrim journey, it's crucial to adopt a mindset that sees the world through the lens of our faith. This double vision allows us to live fully in the present while keeping our hearts aligned with God's Kingdom. It may be challenging at times, but it will transform how we see and live in the world.
I encourage you to embrace these practices and see how they can bring greater purpose and clarity along your path. Don't try them all at once - try on what fits for where you are on your journey. I think you will find these practices transformative - as in life changing! Ir has been for me!
For His glory,
Rev. D!
Today, I want to share some reflections from the first part of our sermon series, "Reclaiming the Pilgrim Mindset." This series is all about how we can live our Christian lives with simplicity, personal piety, and a focus on spiritual growth.
Let's start with a confession: I resisted wearing glasses for years. Vanity, stubbornness—call it what you will, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Then, one day, I gave in, and the world snapped into focus. I could read street signs from a distance, see the dashboard of my car without squinting, and yes, even notice the fine print on my grocery receipts. It was like moving from a blurry watercolor to high-definition reality.
This experience of sudden clarity made me think about our spiritual lives. Sometimes, we walk around half-blind, missing the details of God's work around us. But when we put on our spiritual bifocals, we start to see both the day-to-day and the divine with new clarity. It's a bit like realizing you’ve been driving through life with a dirty windshield.
In 1 Peter 2:9-12, Peter tells us that we are pilgrims and strangers in this world. Think of us as having dual citizenship: one foot in the physical world and one in the Kingdom of God. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and our mission is to declare God's praises and live out our dual identity purposefully.
Here are the practical steps I provided for how to "Embracing Double Vision:"
- Shift Your Daily Perspective:
- Start each day by grounding yourself in your pilgrim identity. Look at your day's tasks through the lens of eternal significance. This doesn't mean neglecting your responsibilities but seeing them as part of your spiritual journey.
- Make Decisions Through the Bifocal Lens:
- Whether you're making major life choices or deciding how to spend your afternoon, consider both your immediate path and your ultimate destination. This dual perspective can guide you toward decisions that honor both your earthly responsibilities and your heavenly call.
- See Relationships as Dual-Focus:
- Engage with others by seeing them both as they are and as who they could be in God's kingdom. Recognize that every interaction has the potential to reflect God's love and grace.
As we navigate our pilgrim journey, it's crucial to adopt a mindset that sees the world through the lens of our faith. This double vision allows us to live fully in the present while keeping our hearts aligned with God's Kingdom. It may be challenging at times, but it will transform how we see and live in the world.
I encourage you to embrace these practices and see how they can bring greater purpose and clarity along your path. Don't try them all at once - try on what fits for where you are on your journey. I think you will find these practices transformative - as in life changing! Ir has been for me!
For His glory,
Rev. D!
1 Comment
Can't wait for this to go LiVE!