In The World, But Not Of It

WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL BY PATRICE TSAGUE

Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant by “be in the world but not of it?”
Are you in the world? 
Have you been able to remain untainted by the world?

In The World, But Not Of It

Growing up, I rejected Christianity, due to the fact that I did not see its relevance in the real world. From my worldly perspective, the Christians I knew seemed to be either so “heavenly-minded that they were no earthly good”, or else they were trying to be so “relevant to real life” that there seemed to be no difference between their lives and mine – their actions seemed to contradict the very Gospel that they preached.  

I wonder how many people reject Christ every day for the same reasons that I did?

In December 1994 something happened. I met a Christian businessman who reached out to me in a way that I could relate to.  He demonstrated authentic Christianity, and he introduced me to the Gospel – and to Jesus Christ. Since that encounter, my life has never been the same. 

I would have never met that Christian businessman had he not come into my world.  We as Christians sometimes isolate ourselves from the world, without realizing that the world will not come to us – if the Great Commission is to be fulfilled, then we must go to them.

In the prayer that is recorded in John 17, Jesus prayed for many things. One major focus of His prayer was His disciples, and He also prayed for those of future generations who would also believe in him. He prayed, not that His disciples would be taken out of the world, but that they would be kept from the evil one while in the world. 

Jesus understood that if His disciples were to fulfill the mission that He had given them, then they would need to remain in the world – not withdraw from it. That is why the Great Commission states, “Go ye into all the world” (Mark 16:15) – not “Withdraw ye from all the world”.

What does it mean to “be in the world, but not of it”?  It means to be engaged with the people and institutions in the communities where we reside and to remain active in the world’s affairs, without being influenced in ungodly ways by them. 

It means that, wherever we find ourselves, we are to use our gifts, skills, and abilities to serve people while glorifying Christ and spreading the Gospel and the values of the Kingdom of God.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus explains the expectations that He has of His followers in relation to their interaction with, and influence in, the world.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?
It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand,
and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

What happens if we withdraw from the world? According to Matthew 5:13-16 :

• There would not be salt to preserve the world from self-destruction
• There would not be light to guide people to the truth
• Our good works would not be seen by man

As Biblical Entrepreneurs, we understand that most of our businesses depend on us being in the world since most of us do not just serve Christians.  How do we make sure we remain in the world without being spoiled by the world?  

According to Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, and James 4:7, we should:

• Be assured of our own salvation
• Renew our mind
• Die to self
• Resist the devil and give him no place
• Be clear of our calling and vocation
• Earn the right to be heard
• Share Jesus

Being in the world is not always easy with all the temptations that exist. It may seem as though it would be much easier to withdraw – but withdrawal is not an option. We are called to influence the world by shining the light of Christ, so that everyone in the world may know the reality of the Savior’s love for them and the opportunity to be redeemed.

My prayer for you is that God will give you the wisdom and the grace to be in the world, but not of it, and that you will shine His light and love with wisdom but without compromise, before all whom you meet.