I’m not into science fiction, for I’ve found that truth is stranger than fiction. Discovering and delving into the truth and mystery of God and His world is thrilling to me. But those kids were right - I am an alien. There are aliens among us. Multitudes of the followers of Jesus Christ have always been considered as aliens by this world. In fact, the name “Christian” was used initially as a title of derision and scorn for the followers of Christ.

The Bible teaches that believers in Christ are strangers, and foreigners (aliens) in this world. (See 1 Peter 2:11) This world is not our home; we are just passing through. We are looking forward to the eternal city of God in heaven. (See Hebrews 11:13-16)

In America, a majority of the population claim to be born again Christians. 70% of Americans surveyed by the Gallup poll in the 1980’s believe that Jesus is the Divine Son of God, yet less than about 48% say they attend church regularly to worship God and to grow in their relationship with Him. Many believers seemingly do not live much differently than the world. That is what the great leader of India, Mahatma Gandhi, pointed out years ago. The scriptures instruct us to live as “strangers and aliens” in this present world.

How can we identify a true Christian alien living among us?

A true Christian alien follows his leader, Jesus Christ. He marches to the beat of a different drummer. They are in the world, but not of the world. Jesus said, “If any would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

A true Christian alien is a “born again” believer in Christ. I was born in Christian county, but that doesn’t make me a Christian. A donkey in a garage does not make it a car. Corrie Ten Boom used to say, “A mouse in a cookie jar doesn’t make it a cookie.” Jesus replied to a very religious man searching for the kingdom of God. “Nicodemus, you must be born again.” (See John 3:1-6) A Christian alien is born of the Spirit from above. There must be a spiritual rebirth by receiving Christ as your personal Savior. “For as many as received Him gave He power to become sons of God, even as many as believed on His name.” John 1:12. In Christ, all things become new. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)

The identifying sign of a Christian alien is the cross. They have been crucified to this world. They have been baptized into Christ through repentance and faith. (See Romans 6:3-4) It is not a cross hanging on a gold chain, nor fastened to a church building that identifies a Christian. The cross of Christ is embedded in the heart and flesh of the believer. It is a cross that puts to death sin and self. Paul said, “But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 (NASB)

A true Christian alien is a non-conformist to this world, and like Jesus a counter-revolutionary concerning the philosophy of this age. The Word of God tells us not to be “conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” (See Romans 12:1-2) We are not to let the world put us into their mold. Our mold is Christ.

A true Christian alien is salt and light in the world. They have the savor of Christ, and the light of Jesus shines into the darkness wherever they go. (See Matthew 5:13-16) These aliens make a difference. What will this world be like when they are caught up to be with Christ at His return? (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) They are not perfect, but are forgiven. (See 1 John 1:9) They are running the race to gain the prize of Christ and his perfection.

John Bunyan, a great man of God of the seventeenth century and author of the spiritual classic Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote this concerning the incredible joy of Christian aliens. A Happy Man:

“The happy man was born in the city of regeneration, in the parish of repentance unto life. He was educated in the School of Obedience; he works at the trade of Diligence and does many jobs of self-denial.

He owns a large estate in the country of Christian Contentment and wears the plain garments of humility. He breakfasts every morning on spiritual prayer and sups every evening on the same. He also has ‘meat to eat the world knows not of.’ He has the Gospel submission in his conduct, due order in his affection, sound peace in his conscience, sanctifying love in his soul, real divinity in his breast, true humility in his heart, the Redeemer’s yoke on his neck, the world under his feet, and a crown of glory over his head. In order to obtain this, he prays fervently, believes firmly, waits patiently, works abundantly, redeems his time, guards his sense, loves Christ and longs for glory.”

Have you come to possess the joy and sense of destiny that Christian aliens have? If not, allow me to take you to my Leader, Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3:16.)

Invite Him into your life today. You won’t be the same. (See Revelation 3:20)