When some of us hear the word “alien”, we immediately picture the bald headed, big eyed, three fingered freaky dudes that have been watching us for years and abducting people who watch too much Sci-Fi channel.

Well, maybe. And certainly I wouldn’t want to spoil a good conspiracy theory- but actually the word alien has a much broader definition: let’s ask Mr. Webster-

Pronunciation: 'A-lE-&n, 'Al-y&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin alienus, from alius
Date: 14th century1 a: belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing b: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government 2: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility

(Courtesy: www.webster.com)

The Apostle Peter calls all believers “aliens”- and for good reason!

-We have been purchased by the blood of Christ- therefore we belong to Him
-We relate to God alone as our Creator and Sustainer
-We have a citizenship in heaven
-We pledge our allegiance to the Lamb of God

Those are all things that make us aliens by definition. Yet have you ever stopped to think about how we should also be aliens by lifestyle? Look at what Webster said: “differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility”.

This is the difficult part, isn’t it? Most of us are fine being categorized as an alien by God, but heavily resist being ‘caught’ by the world as a foreigner. We would rather compromise our convictions than be classified as incompatible with the culture. Perhaps we all could use a refresher course on what it means to live as true “strangers” in this world- so here’s an excerpt from the “X-ianity Files”-

Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. (Hebrews 11:32-40)

Keep in mind, these believers were not treated this way because they carried the biggest Bible on the block and sang the loudest at church meetings. These men and women resisted the popular culture of the day and stood strongly for what they believed, no matter what the consequences. Their nature was to speak the truth in love, think the thoughts of God, and act as if this world was not their home. They abstained from sinful desires, because they knew that they were only staying a little while. They told everyone they knew about the forgiveness of God, because they weren’t concerned about peer pressure.

This week, consider whether you qualify as an “alien and stranger” in your attitudes, actions, and thoughts. Let me give you a slogan that might help you in this struggle:

The Popular Culture Will Never Endorse Biblical Christianity

Yep, it’s true. Oh, they’ll endorse a health and wealth, happy go lucky, 401K Christianity- but that’s not the way of the Cross. In fact, if your desire is to be popular, wealthy, and/or powerful- then you just jumped off the alien spaceship.

Questions:

1) What sinful desires seem to be waging war against you right now?

2) Would the popular culture consider you to be an “alien” or a citizen? Why or why not?

3) Why is it so difficult to go against the flow?

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