A Pilgrim People | Monday | 8/31

Tourist or Pilgrim?

Hebrews 11:8–10 (CEB)

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going. By faith he lived in the land he had been promised as a stranger. He lived in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were coheirs of the same promise. He was looking forward to a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

We live in a world built around experiences. We choose restaurants, vacations, entertainment, and countless other things based on what we want to get out of them. Without realizing it, we can begin approaching our faith the same way.

Did I like the worship? Did I enjoy the sermon? Does this church have what I'm looking for?

Those aren't always bad questions. But they can reveal something about our posture.

A tourist goes on a journey to experience something. A pilgrim goes on a journey to become someone.

Abraham was a pilgrim. When God called him, he went “without knowing where he was going.” He wasn't following an itinerary. He was following God. The journey itself became part of God's work of forming him.

Following Jesus isn't primarily about finding the religious experience we prefer. It's about allowing God to shape us into people who look increasingly like Christ.

So perhaps the better question isn't, “What am I getting out of this?”

Perhaps it's, “Who is God forming me to be?” 

Reflect

Where are you tempted to approach your faith as a consumer rather than a pilgrim?

Pray

Jesus, forgive me when I make following you primarily about my preferences. Form me through this journey into the person you are calling me to become. Amen.