Living as Sojourners: Embracing Our True Citizenship in Christ
As Christians, we are called to live as sojourners—temporary residents in a fallen world. Through salvation in Christ, our lives are radically changed.
We are set apart for His name’s sake. We are forgiven of our sins.
We have access to—and relationship with—the One True God.
We have a joy everlasting—a reason to sing, worship, and praise.
But… there is still pain. There is still brokenness.
We live in a fallen world under the curse of sin.
There is death and decay. There is disappointment and discouragement.
Things are not as they should be, and our hearts ache.
The reality for the Christian is this: we live for the eternal King of kings in a world that is not our eternal home. Our citizenship in heaven shapes the way we walk through this life.
God’s People Have Always Been Sojourners
Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s chosen people have always been sojourners.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were wanderers and exiles, constantly reminded that they did not belong to the nations around them. And now, for those in Christ, our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
This biblical truth is a powerful reminder that we are not home yet. We are living as exiles in a fallen world, with our eyes fixed on eternity.
Our Identity and Mission as Ambassadors for Christ
So how do we live as sojourners while we await the return of King Jesus?
First Peter 2:9 explains our calling clearly: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (ESV).
Peter reminds us that we have been chosen by God to proclaim His excellencies. Though the brokenness of this life is real, we are called to live as ambassadors for Christ—bearing His name and reflecting His light in a world desperate for hope.
Our mission is not rooted in comfort but in obedience. Faithful Christian living in a broken world is how we proclaim the beauty of the gospel.
Living with Purpose in a Temporary World
As we await our eternal home, we have the responsibility now of telling the world about Jesus and what He has done for us.
Everyday faithfulness matters. Whether it’s caring for little ones, serving your local church, or moving overseas for full-time ministry, the Bible shows us that the Christian life purpose and mission is to glorify God.
Our obedience—big or small—is a holy offering to Him. In doing so, we proclaim the excellencies of the One who brought us out of darkness.
Friend, this is our mission as sojourners: to bring biblical perspective on suffering by offering hope to the hopeless and refuge to the brokenhearted—that they too may turn to Christ and be saved.
The Eternal Hope We Hold
Through it all, we cling to this eternal truth: there will be a day when we are finally home.
Sin, pain, and suffering—all will be no more. And God will once again dwell with man, forever.
This is our eternal hope in Christ, the anchor that sustains us when life feels heavy.
Reflection Question
How does remembering your citizenship in heaven shape the way you live as a sojourner today?
Meet the Author
Claudia Stehr
Claudia is a daughter redeemed by Jesus Christ. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Sam. Claudia loves music, long walks and hikes, coffee chats with friends, and allll the dogs. She also loves Philadelphia sports #gobirds
Claudia has a heart for leading and discipling young women, and served in the ministries of Cru and Young Life. She loves writing, and she deeply believes in the importance of encouragement and refreshment found in communicating, sharing, and teaching God’s Word.
