10/15/2024
Jean Morrison
Do you like sci-fi movies? Do you have a favorite alien on the silver screen, like E.T. Yoda, Borg, Predators, or Klingons, to name a few? Have you ever wished you were an alien? Well, did you know that in the Bible, Gentiles, or non-Jewish people who came to know Christ as their Savior and Lord after Jesus’ resurrection were referred to as “resident aliens” and “the elect” scattered throughout the Roman empire, which is now modern-day Turkey?
Apostle Peter coined the term. Peter was the disciple with a “big mouth with no backup,” always speaking out of turn and acting brashly. He eventually denounced Christ three times but eventually became a lead apostle in the Early Church. Peter would go on to minister to both Gentiles and Jews during his ministry here on earth before being martyred for his faith — choosing to be beheaded upside down for Jesus Christ.
In speaking to these early Christians, Peter challenged them to refrain from sinful desires and live a good life so that others may see Christ in them and thereby glorify God. He says in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
This Bible verse is relevant to us as Christians today. As resident aliens in faith, we reside here on earth as citizens, but our tenure here is only temporary since our eternal home is our final destination. Our eternal home will be in heaven, but we will also reign with Christ in the new earth where Christ will rule for 1,000 years in His Millennial Kingdom as our King of King and Lord of Lords! (Revelation 20:14)
As the body of Christ, we must remember that as resident aliens, we simply pass through this life on earth; our eternal home is with Jesus. Apostle Peter reminds us that we should not live chasing fleshly pursuits, as stated in Galatians 5:19-21, which we must be aware of. He says, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This scripture is a stern message for believers, letting us know that we can’t call ourselves Jesus followers if we continue to live sinful lives. God is Holy and absent of sin, so those who continue to live immoral lives cannot enter God’s presence and practice willful sin. We are without excuse because Jesus died to take away our sins. His grace does not give us a license to keep sinning but to cast away our sinful nature and habits and follow Him.
Here are three Moral Compasses to help you live a holy and righteous life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father — a life that reflects the nature of His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit living within you! They are:
Moral Compass #1: Stop living like the locals.
In other words, our lives should not reflect the world. When we take on the nature of those who don’t reflect Jesus, we are considered pagans whom others can accuse of wrongdoing. Does this mean we will never sin? No, but sin cannot be a consistent practice as Christ’s followers.
Moral Compass #2: A positive lifestyle sends a powerful message.
Our lives must show our godly conduct, in words and deeds when we interact with others. Does your barista at your local coffee shop see Christ in you? Do drivers driving around you on surface streets or the freeway see a patient and respectful driver in you or a person impatient and displaying road rage? Do your friends and family see you representing Christ when you talk about the upcoming election, especially when others don’t jive with your particular political party or candidate?
Moral Compass #3: The world is watching you.
We must remember that those without Christ are looking at us, the body of Christ, very carefully, so let’s choose to be Jesus’ mouthpiece, heart, hands, and feet in everything we say and do.
Here are three moral compass takeaways to keep you on track!
1. Difference Makers are residential and spiritual aliens.
2. Difference Makers should replace ungodly living with godly living.
3. Difference Makers have a testimony to maintain and a message to give.
So, here’s the bottom line: When you are at the grocery store, voting booth, dinner table, in your cubicle, or on a Pickle Ball court, remember this: Make a difference by being different.
When you do, Matthew 5:16 will ring true: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Enough said.
