STRANGERS IN THIS WORLD

JOHN 17:15–16

“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one”

(John 17:15).

As has been the case since the days of Israel, those whom God has chosen to be His children have been radically different from the world. They have been called to live separately, to live by a higher standard, to refrain from the corruptions and immoral pleasures of this world. Such a life has always been difficult. Believers throughout history have struggled with it, and often their lives have been tarnished by unfaithfulness. The Israelites mixed with foreign nations, and they paid a dear price in war and bloodshed. It has always been a struggle to be “in” the world but not “of” it.

This is why Jesus’ prayer is so important. It reminds us that we are to be separate from the world, that the world hates us because it hated Christ. Unfortunately, too many Christians are having an adulterous affair with the world. They think they can taste the “glories of Egypt” and not become ensnared by their deceptive beauty. But the Christian cannot have both the world and Christ. Those who play with the world will get burned by it because the world hates everything of Christ. We are deceived to think otherwise. Jesus certainly stated this to be the case, and any argument to the contrary is an argument with God Himself.

Jesus prayed that God protect His disciples from moral corruption. He did not pray that they be kept from the sufferings and trials of this world, but that they be protected from the evil one—that he not triumph over their souls. No doubt the disciples struggled with sin, but each one who loved Christ repented of his sins and followed Him.

As Christians, we must remember that we are not of this world, but strangers in a temporary dwelling. We must, therefore, keep a healthy distance from those worldly things that entice us, that try to charm us away from our commitment to the commands of Christ. We must stand firm in our profession and our obedience, no matter how strange that might make us look in the eyes of the world. We are called to be different, and the more our society rebels against God, the more different we are going to look. But be encouraged. Even if the world taunts you on account of those holy differences, your life is pleasing to your Father in heaven.

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 16–18

Ephesians 1

What are some things about your life that are too worldly? In what ways do you “look” too much like the world, inside and out? Where have you compromised because you are afraid to be different? Make a list and commit it to prayer. Take practical steps to live your life “in Christ” and not in the world.

For further study: 2 Kings 17:15 • Col. 3:1–14 • James 4:4–10 • 1 John 2:15–16

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september