Peter calls his audience, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ as pilgrims or exiles. (I Peter 1:1) That means a temporary resident in a foreign land. In the Epistle to Diognetus, written by ‘Mathetes’ (a disciple) of Apostles in the second century as an apologist literature, a pilgrim is described as: “They live in their own countries, but they do so as those who are just passing through. As citizens they participate in everything with others, yet they endure everything as if they were foreigners. Every foreign land is like their homeland to them, and every land of their birth is like a land of strangers.” Indeed, the Christian life is a paradox, as people of faith, acknowledge or call themselves as strangers, exiles, or pilgrims. (Hebrews 11:13)
Citizens and non-citizens: Christians live in their own countries, meaning, they are citizens. Nevertheless, they do live not a settled, permanent, and stable life. They live like migrants or temporary residents. When a tourist travels to another city, generally takes only a minimum for the trip. Officials do duty away from home and manage with less comfort. Army people may stay in tents and camps until the war or combat is over. They are rooted to survive, not as permanent citizens.
Responsibilities not privileges: The disciples of the Lord fulfill all the lawful and legal requirements of the country like paying taxes. Yet, willing to forego privileges like foreigners or undocumented migrants. In many countries, Christians are deprived of certain privileges the constitution may provide but denied by local officials and politicians.
Homeland and land of strangers: As ambassadors for the Lord, they are comfortable wherever they are, homeland or strange land. For them, any country is their home, waiting for their eternal home. The context and culture do not contaminate them, instead, they are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and are like a city on the hill. (Matthew 5:14-16) They are at home as well as strangers at the same time.
Do I acknowledge myself as exiles and strangers on this earth?