The two detectives carefully and cautiously made their way through the dark corridors of the spooky, old mansion on the outskirts of town. They were investigating the unexplained phenomena reported by some of the local residents. “Look there!” whispered one of the detectives to the other; pointing toward a cobweb-wrapped staircase that ascended into darkness. A small, shadowy figure made its way up the staircase and quickly disappeared. They both took a deep breath and began gingerly making their way up the stairs, penetrating the darkness with their flashlights.
Upon reaching the top step, the second detective felt something brush by his leg. His heart pounded and he whirled around and aimed his flashlight. The two detectives gasped, then shouted simultaneously, “Raccoons!” Come to find out, the unexplained noises had been caused by nothing more than a large family of raccoons who had taken shelter in the spooky, old mansion.
What? Were you expecting something else? Perhaps something not of this world? It’s interesting how fascinated humans are with things that seem “other worldly,” and often want to know more about other beings from beyond. Yet, sadly, we seem to lose that fascination when told directly about someone who actually was from beyond.
In John 8:23, Jesus said, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” He goes on to tell the people that they will die in their sin unless they believe in Him. You see, many people on earth at that time had been saying that the purpose of life was to please yourself. But Jesus made it clear that that kind of living was sinful, and that the real purpose of life was to please God. The people just didn’t seem to understand this foreign concept, much less Jesus’ “alien” behavior.
Just like Jesus, His followers are called to be “not of this world” as well. And while you strive to live an “alien” life, the people of this world will probably mock you or intimidate you into becoming more like them. But 1 Peter 2:11-12 encourages us: “…as aliens and strangers in the world, [I urge you] to abstain from sinful desires, which 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…”
Jesus never let the crowds pressure Him into changing His purpose, or into doing something just so He could feel accepted. Remember that you, like Christ, are an “alien” in this world. Keep your mind focused on your purpose as you seek to make an impact in this foreign land.