Peter was writing to the pilgrims of the dispersion, Jewish believers spread abroad through distant lands. They truly, physically, were pilgrims, and yet he admonishes them to have this attitude of being pilgrims and strangers in this world. He then identifies several qualities of a pilgrim and stranger.

Peter calls them beloved. If we wish to be pilgrims and free from the grip of this world, we must have a better object, which is enjoying and living in the love of God. We are loved. Then we need to recognize that we are in a war. As pilgrims, lust in its various forms must be defeated. It is not that riches are wrong; Abraham was a very rich man, but very clearly he was also a pilgrim. What a difference between him and Lot. Both were rich, but Abraham’s vision was heavenly whereas Lot’s was earthly. Abraham had a tent; Lot settled down in Sodom. So too with us: money and education are not the problem, but our attitude towards them and the Lord demonstrates whether or not we are pilgrims.

Then Peter identifies the need for good conduct. Our conduct should be such that in the day of visitation it will glorify God, even if the world criticizes us. Included in this good conduct is the attitude of submission, not seeking our rights. Self-denial and sacrifice mark us out as pilgrims. This world is not our home so we have no rights. The Lord did not defend Himself or insist on His rights in the judgment against Him. Instead He entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously. Being a pilgrim and sojourner is a heart attitude. May this attitude be ours!