World Connection! (part 3 of 4)

[04/17/2008 “teEn-MAIL”]

WORLD CONNECTION! (part 3 of 4)

As we have noted over the past two days, our love for the world (souls in need of salvation) and our ties to the things of the world must be kept in proper perspective. What is passing and what is abiding need to be properly discerned. If that is not done, in the process of living we may find our affections wrongfully attached.

In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples He noted their relationship to the world in the following manner.
“(14) I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are NOT OF THE WORLD, just as I am not of the world. (15) I DO NOT ASK THAT YOU TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORLD, but that you keep them from the evil one. (16) They are NOT OF THE WORLD, just as I am not of the world. (17) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (18) As you sent me into the world, so I have SENT THEM INTO THE WORLD.” ( John 17:14-18 ESV)

Jesus’ prayer noted His disciples as being IN THE WORLD, but NOT OF IT. This was (and is) an important distinction to bear in mind. Though they would continue living IN THE WORLD they were not to be living like the world, but rather in accordance with the Will of Heaven. Of necessity they were to continue IN THE WORLD, because if they were taken out of the world there was no way they could reach the world with the saving message of salvation in Christ. Just as Jesus came into this world to save it, the disciples WERE TO CONTINUE THAT WORK of drawing others to Him for the salvation of their souls.

We also must recognize the DIVINE PURPOSE for which we are IN THE WORLD, as we conduct our lives in a manner that reveals we are not of the world, but rather are of God! Our connection with God and the world is to be continually kept in balance so that our life can be a tool of God in providing the godly benefit and example this world needs. As we allow more and more of the character and essence of God to take over in our life, more of the world will be moved out so that our life can become more influential in drawing the world’s attention toward Him. We cannot fulfill this Divine purpose by hiding away somewhere. Therefore, as we go about our day to day activities may we do so as His lights in a dark world in need of seeing more clearly the Way ( John 14:6) to Him.

Have a great day LIVING HEAVEN’S PURPOSE ON EARTH!
Carl

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