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As Christians, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world.
John 17:13-19 (NIV)
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
So the question this week is What does this mean to be in the world but not of the world, and how do we live it?
I see this as being a part of things going on around you without allowing yourself to be taken in by temptations. In other words, don’t get caught up in what every other person who is not a believer is doing when you know what they are doing goes against the nature of our Lord. Leave behind all the excuses such as “I’m a work in progress” and others like it that will keep you from progressing to be like our Savior in the way we live. Live your faith open and up front in every aspect of your life by saying no to the wrong things no matter who says it is ok or what it may gain you in the short run. You might not be the most popular one at work or with your family, but at least you will get to stand in front of the Lord on your day and know that you did all you could do to stand against the schemes of the enemy.