Have you ever been in a situation where there is something unique about you compared to everyone else around you? Of course that happens to all of us at times. Recently as a University of Kentucky sports fan, I attended a UK vs Mizzou football game in Columbia. UK won the game in an incredible fashion. UK was behind the entire second half and won the game with an untimed play at the end of the game. As the entire crowd at Faurot Field collectively grew silent, I really felt like there was something unique about Keaton and me compared to the majority of this crowd.
For Christ-followers, this is true every day as well.
In the World but not Of the World
Shortly before Jesus’ death as He talked with His disciples in preparation, He prayed for them. In His prayer He said:
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 pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. (John 17:14-19)
In Jesus’ prayer, He highlighted the fact that the Christian disciple is both in the world but is not of the world.
What does this mean for you today?
Essentially, as a Christ-follower, we are like Keaton and me at that game. The majority of those around us do not follow Jesus as Lord. They do not have God’s Word as their final authority for life and living. Yes, we are with them. We love them. We desire God’s best for them. But, we are not of them.
Therefore, ask questions of your lifestyle. Jesus prayed you would not be overtaken by evil.
How you live today matters. Live and love as Jesus in the world but not of it.
