Happy tension: Indigenous Pilgrims

The Apostle Paul points us to two key paradigms (and exemplified them in his life, so we can imitate him as He imitated Christ, 1 Cor. 11:1 ). These two paradigms are:

1. We are pilgrims in this world; and
2. We are to be missionaries.

The first, as pilgrims and sojourners, we must seek renewed minds :

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind , that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ( Romans 12:1-2 )

The second, we live as indigenous people, like cross-cultural missionaries ( 1 Cor. 9:19-23 ).

In these two paradigms we live in the Gospel rhythms, and are able to know, love, and enjoy Christ above all else, living sacrificial lives pleasing to Him (2 Cor. 5:9-15 ).