How Can We Be In the World But Not of It?
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 by Melissa McLaughlin

Our eyes sparkled as his voice carried us along. Dad and Mom read bedtime stories to us during our early childhood years. We soaked up these tales of chocolate factories, children slipping through a wardrobe, and small hobbits on grand adventures. Dad and Mom were excellent readers who drew us into the narration with animated expressions.

I sometimes felt like I had become part of the novel. In my imagination, I traveled to far-away places, fought battles against evil adversaries, and stood triumphant alongside victorious heroes.

When the chapter ended, my parents closed the book, helped us say our prayers, and turned off the lights. The chronicle was closed until tomorrow. Although I visualized myself in the settings and plots of each book, when the reading stopped, I returned to my real life.

In the world, but not of it

In these difficult days in which we live, we long for simpler times like those we remember from childhood. Sadly, real life today includes daily headlines of violence, deception, and discord.

As I considered the state of our world recently, I was reminded of this Bible passage from John 17, when Jesus prayed to our Father God before His crucifixion.

11And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

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 17:11, 14-16 ESV).

I often hear believers summarize this passage, “We are in the world, but not of it.”

These are wise words, but difficult to live out.

How can we be in the world but not of it?

In the same way we view the pages of a book as if we are part of the plot and characters, yet we maintain our “real life” outside the narrative, perhaps we can do the same with the world.

Christians are lifelong Bible readers. With God’s Word in hand, we have a divine lens through which to perceive our personal lives, as well as, the history of mankind. We understand our origin, the Source of life, and the reason for love, sin, evil, and death. Most importantly, we know the hope of the nations, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Lord. Therefore, we have strength for today and peace for the future.

While others may grieve the plight of the world, Christians do not grieve without hope.

Believers are active participants in God’s long-range redemption plan for humanity. Therefore, we strive to live in ways that honor Christ, align with His Word, and point others to His saving grace.

Given these foundations of our faith, here are three suggestions for how to be in the world, but not of it.

1.Read the Bible. God’s Word anchors our thoughts, cleanses our minds of the world’s lies, and keeps our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. As we study God’s Word, we grasp God’s plans for the past, present, and future. While the world rages, we walk in the peace Christ won for us on the cross. That alone speaks volumes. This world is not our home. We have the hope of heaven.

2.Pray for wisdom and discernment. Lord God, help us maintain our identity in Christ. To remember: the Father’s love for us, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and victory over the enemy, and the Holy Spirit’s power within. Give us wisdom and discernment to navigate the uncharted territories we face each day. Fill us with love, humility, and gratitude to shine like Christ in a sin-darkened world, so others are drawn to the Savior.

3.Worship as a weapon. Remember the worship led by King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When the Israelites were surrounded by enemy forces, Jehoshaphat prayed to the LORD, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” A prophet told Jehoshaphat the LORD would fight for them. The next day, Jehoshaphat sent forth the army with singing and worship. “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established. Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the enemies so that they were routed (2 Chronicles 20:1-22 ESV).

The people sang and praised the LORD. Then HE defeated the enemy.

When we face battles in this life, let us lift our voices to sing! As we worship, we are reminded that God is the Sovereign King and LORD of all. The nations may swirl in chaos and war, but God is still seated on His throne. Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Finally, our story is enwrapped in HIS-story. What a privilege! What a blessing! May we walk through this world with one eye on eternity and carry the light of Christ until the final page of our lives. Then we will be in the world, but not of it.

Do you have additional ideas for how to be in the world but not of it? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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