1 Peter 2:11

There was a time that I traveled to Spain, and we sat down at a restaurant for lunch one day. Accustomed to American restaurants, we expected the usual "sit, eat and get out" quick turnover. After finishing our meals, we waited for what we thought was far too long for the server to check on us. What we didn't take into consideration was that we were foreigners in a culture that valued a slower pace for meals. What we mistook for bad service was actually our lack of perception. We were acting out of what felt natural within us. In a similar way, we often act out of the sinful desires and earthly temptations that we face in this life. But we forget that we are exiles and foreigners in this land and we need to resist earthly desires that wage war in our soul.  It is helpful to be aware and keep a clear perspective to know whether our actions are in line with our heavenly citizenship, or if they are earthly temptations as foreigners.

PRAY: Lord Jesus, you know the struggles we face. You came and lived on this earth as a human, and you resisted the temptations of this world. We so often act out of what feels natural to us and we conform to the ways of the world. We lack the strength to win the war within us, but with your power we can overcome the earthly passions of the flesh. We need you, Lord! Amen.