SoJournal

Walking as a Pilgrim — 1 Peter 2:11

Scripture:

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” — 1 Peter 2:11 (KJV)

Who is a Pilgrim?

A pilgrim is someone who knows this world is not their final home. As Hebrews 11:13 says:

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them…”

Unlike citizens who feel comfortable and rooted, pilgrims carry a constant awareness of the journey. We are travelers with purpose, moving toward an eternal destination. To live as a pilgrim is to embrace a life of intentionality, recognizing that the choices we make today echo into eternity (Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”).

Being a pilgrim doesn’t mean escaping reality — it means seeing reality through the lens of eternity. It means walking with eyes open to the fleeting nature of comfort, popularity, and worldly validation. We are called to a life of movement, awareness, and faithful direction.

The Challenge of the Narrow Road

Peter calls us pilgrims for a reason. Living in the world but not of it is not easy (John 17:14-16). Every day, we face distractions and temptations — what he calls “fleshly lusts” — that pull us away from God. These are not just sins of the flesh; they can be anything that makes us comfortable, shallow, or distracted from our journey.

The narrow road is often lonely. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

It requires courage to resist the crowd, patience to stay disciplined, and wisdom to know which paths lead closer to God. But the road also brings glory. Every step we take strengthens our faith (James 1:2-4), shapes our character, and declares our identity. The pilgrim journey is about choosing purpose over ease, eternity over the temporary, and faith over fleeting desire.

The Glory of the Pilgrim Life

There is honor in being a pilgrim. As Philippians 3:20 reminds us:

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is a life of visible testimony — a bold statement that says, “I am not of this world, but I belong to the One who calls me home.” We embrace humility because we acknowledge our temporary presence here (1 Peter 1:17: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear”). And we embrace glory because we participate in a journey that matters infinitely.

Being a pilgrim is not passive. It is active, intentional, and disciplined. It is the daily choice to walk in faith (Galatians 5:16), resist what harms the soul, and trust the Shepherd who guides us. Every small victory, every act of obedience, every moment of discipline is part of a grand story — one that points to eternity.

Reflection Questions

  • What distractions or desires are keeping you rooted in this world instead of moving toward your eternal home?

  • In what areas of your life could you live more intentionally as a pilgrim?

  • How does your identity as a pilgrim change the way you respond to challenges, loneliness, or societal pressure?

Take time to journal your answers. Let your reflections guide your next step on the narrow road.

Actionable Steps

  1. Identify one habit, attachment, or distraction that is pulling you away from your pilgrim journey. Take deliberate action to release it.

  2. Choose one small step of faith that reflects your eternal perspective — it could be an act of kindness, a commitment to prayer, or a bold choice to speak truth.

  3. Share the story of your journey with us and possibly get featured in futured content and collections.