Embracing Sinful Desires Weakens Us as Kryptonite Weakens Superman

Some believe that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe. To see an alien, they need only see Christians following Jesus. He was the first alien in but not of the world.

I fished in Quebec for a week in 1987, but did not adopt their language and customs. I am from a different country with a different language and culture.

Similarly, Christians are on earth to advertise God’s values. Heaven is our home.

Peter appeals to us as aliens to “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11 NIV). He refers to self-centered appetites that relentlessly try to establish a foothold in our lives.

If we embrace them, they will eventually overwhelm us. They will weaken us as kryptonite weakens Superman.

We live like God’s children so others might become God’s children. The challenge is to transform spiritual critics into brothers and sisters in Christ. We can love some into God’s kingdom by God’s grace.

When we turn on a flashlight in a dark room, we do not have to tell people to look at it. It is automatic.

We will get people’s attention if we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Their salvation depends on how well we advertise God’s values and translate them into daily life. Let us consider practical ways to do that.

God’s will is that we respect and obey our government. Christians must submit to laws that do not contradict God’s word.

Our government’s leaders represent God as the judge. They repress crime and injustice.

They keep order. We serve the Lord when we submit to them.

As aliens, we must use our freedom wisely. God sets us free by knowing and applying the truth to our lives (John 8:32). Such application requires disciplining ourselves.

A violin string on a table is free. But it is free to produce music only when it is fastened to a violin and tuned.

Likewise, we Christians are not free to do whatever we want. We are free from the bondage of sin, Satan, and selfish desires to advertise God’s values and serve Him wholeheartedly.

As God’s servants, we must honor and esteem everyone highly (1 Peter 2:17). They are all created in God’s image and worthy of honor. No prejudice is allowed.

As Christians, God commands us to love other Christians. We are brothers and sisters forever.

We are to fear God and honor those who rule us. Fear of God combines reverential awe and healthy dread.

Our government deserves our respect, but only God merits our worship.

How should aliens on Earth live? Like aliens, of course! We are on earth to advertise Jesus’ superior way of life. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,714 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,936 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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