In Or Of?

It has been stated that "The Christian is not ruined by living in the world, but by the world living in him." Do we understand the difference and the potential life impact?

In Jesus' prayer for the disciples prior to His arrest and crucifixion we read. . .
"(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." ( John 17:14-16 ESV)

There was a reason for the disciples to remain in the world. Taken out of it, they could not fulfill the ministry for which Jesus had been preparing them. Therefore, the Lord's prayer was for their protection from "the evil one" while they continued in the world.

We need to understand the contrast between being in the world, yet not of it. To be of the world is to allow the world to have its influence on us. As we live our life in this world we might feel the pressure it places on us to accept its ways, but it is a greater challenge once those things get within us. In the midst of pagan civilizations the early church was able to thrive. The secret was not by keeping themselves out of the world where they were to try to influence for the cause of Christ, but rather by keeping the world out of their lives.

We are TO BE OF GOD. We are to live in accordance with HIS STANDARD. May we do this by living life fulfilling our role as the salt ( Matthew 5:13) and light ( Matthew 5:14-16) this world needs.

Have a great day LIVING "IN" TO LEAD TO GOD!
Carl

-----------------------
[This focus was originally sent 09/25/1998 (edited expanded with passage changed to ESV)]

.

See other teEn-MAIL on Influence