Read 1 Peter 2:11-12
When you hear the word “alien” what picture goes through your mind? A small green creature with an enormous head and bulgy black eyes perhaps? How about you look in the mirror! We are the aliens of this world because we don’t belong here; we’re just passing through. What a revelation!
Many people fail to realize this phenomenon is true for followers of Christ. There is so much more waiting for us beyond what we can see in this moment. We belong to Jesus’ kingdom. That’s why Peter felt it necessary to warn us. “I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” How exactly are we supposed to do that?
Having worldly desires is part of the human condition. That’s precisely why Peter is making a big deal of it. What’s an example of a worldly desire? Seeking recognition, love of self, materialism, lust, covetousness, are only a few of the desires that separate us from God. As Peter says, these things are “waging war” with our very souls! If we claim to be believers, shouldn’t our behaviors line up with the holiness Peter has been talking about? If they don’t, we need to do something about that.
When we wage war with our passions of the flesh, we can only win when we tap into the Spirit’s power. Surrounding ourselves with reminders of “whose” we are and “where” we belong can also help. That’s why it’s so critical to dig into God’s word, keep our eyes on Jesus, and stay in fellowship with other believers. We have a built-in accountability system to keep us on track.
As Christians, we have a higher standard to live up to. That’s not a bad thing unless you’re lazy and selfish (not traits to impress or please God). As representatives of Christ, we should want to reflect him well. Peter is empowering us to want to be better.
What do people see when they look at you and your life? That’s a personal question requiring careful consideration. How are you doing at living a godly life seeking to be holy? People are watching, you know. Non-believers are waiting to see if we’ll stumble or if we’ll always act in respectful, loving ways. Are our actions consistent with what we profess as Christians?
Remember when it was a fad to have a fish symbol on the back of your car to show your allegiance to Jesus? How many times did you see someone with that emblem on their car using expletives while being inpatient in traffic? If they were motivated by their Christian faith to make that public display on their vehicle, they should be acting in ways that show others how attractive Christians are.
Here’s a great way to keep our mindsets in the right place. As Christians passing through this world, we want to make the most of every day, enjoying the gifts we’ve been given. Fill your heart and mind with gratefulness for each breath. Gratitude helps us set a good example so that our unbelieving friends can see how different we are. How loving we are. How joyful we are. We’re aliens in this world in love with our Savior, and our love just spills over.
How does this passage make you feel? Guilty? Affirmed? A little of both? Peter is wise to make holy living a priority.
I’m thrilled by these verses. Because I’m not a fan of what’s happening in our world today, knowing I’m an alien here is perfect! It eases my mind. I’ll do my best to reflect God in my circumstances because I’ve been called to make disciples and what better way than to attract them by loving behavior. But it’s not a show. I truly do love people and want as many as possible to know and experience Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
How are you going to let these verses change your thinking or how you respond to others today?
Let’s pray. Father, I thank you for all the provisions and surprises in my life. I am grateful for how each circumstance has moved me to this moment of desiring to grow closer to you. I am finally able to shut out a lot of what the world is saying and focus only on what you’re saying. There is freedom in that. I pray my actions reflect you well in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
