How can we as believers live in this world and not be a part of it?
Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values. As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to allow our minds to be corrupted by worldly views. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ. This is a daily activity and commitment.
JOHN 17:14-15
I have given them your teaching. And the world has hated them. The world hated these men, because they don't belong to the world, the same as I don't belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world. But I am asking that you keep them safe from the Evil One.
ROMANS 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Being in the world means we can enjoy God's creation. The sunrises, mountain ranges, the smell of flowers or the taste of fresh honey on hot bread. This is being IN the world.
Being apart (set aside) from the world means we do not conform to this worlds values or morals.
How else can we be a light in the dark if we are not set apart, different from those who are lost??
In my life I have been both in the world and of the the world. Seeking worldly pleasures and riches. To be in and of the world, we become committed to making ourselves priority number one. Once we are no longer of the world, we have put God first above all else.
Once I totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit, all things became clearer. I was a very lost puppy, whose heart had become hardened by the world. I have written some of my testimony. All my past was covered by the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Praise His name that he didn't pick and choose which transgressions he would forgive and which he would not, He forgave ALL of them.
I challenge you to "set yourself apart" from this world and live for Jesus. Make a difference in this world by being different then everyone else. Allow Jesus to be seen thru you.
This is by no means the easy way, the easy way is just go with the flow of the world as it spins itself into destruction. Stand for Jesus. Stand for your faith. No compromise. Spread the good news of Jesus to all nations my brothers and sisters. Never judge....always with love and compassion. The same love and compassion that Jesus gives us every minute of everyday. God Bless
"To be in and of the world, we become committed to making ourselves priority number one. Once we are no longer of the world, we have put God first above all else.
ReplyDeleteOnce I totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit, all things became clearer" Amen!!!!
We are also called to rebuke in love amongst fellow believers, to show them a greater understanding of what it is to be "set apart" a "chosen people" but again we do it with love and compassion because it is sometimes difficult to throw off that mantle of self-condemnation, worthlessness and to love yourself. Much refining and polishing from God must be done to cleanse and continually cleanse us by His Blood, of our day to day iniquities. Amen! I am sharing Revel Deacon. God Bless.
Purify my heart Oh my Lord. I do not want to be of this world. Set my Priorities right. Father, let me shine for Thee.
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