In the world, not of the world
In a world full of temptations, distractions, and constant pressure to go along with the flow of the crowd, the believer faces a holy calling: to live in this world, but not to be of it. Jesus himself spoke these words:
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” – John 17:16
This is the calling of every child of God: to live a holy life, separated from sin, dedicated to God’s will, while functioning as light and salt in a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16). But how do you do this practically? And what does this require of your daily lifestyle? To live holy in separation with God—but what does this actually mean?
Separation doesn’t mean physically cutting yourself off from the world, but spiritually separated—dedicated to God’s will and turned away from worldly influences. The Bible calls us:
“I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1 (ASV)
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” –Romans 12:2a
A holy life is a daily death to self and a life lived by the Spirit. It means making choices that are not always popular, but are obedient to God. God calls us to be a light in a dark world where hope seems distant.
Jesus calls His followers the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). This means that our lives should visibly deviate from the norm. The light in us is not ourselves, but Christ in us.
“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Light shines brightest where it is darkest. We don’t have to conform to fit in. On the contrary: the world needs true Christians who won’t bow to the world’s system.* Believers, therefore, must not participate in worldly practices. The Bible is clear that friendship with the world is enmity with God:
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
As a Christian, you don’t participate in immorality, greed, gossip, jealousy, impurity, or superficial religiosity. You don’t seek worldly recognition or wealth. Jesus warns:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” – Matthew 6:19-20
Our eyes are fixed on the heavenly, not on the temporal. The temporal is alluring and tempting, but the Bible emphasizes that believers must follow the narrow path. The broad path, on which society is based, follows the path that leads away from God and toward death.
Jesus says:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter by it.
Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
Characteristics of the Narrow Path:“Characteristics of the Broad Path:
Self-Centered Living
Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He uses temptation, deception, success, religion without Christ, distractions, and worldly philosophies to pull us away from the narrow path.
“Be sober and vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
We are called to put on the spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18*) and stand firm against the schemes of the evil one.
Furthermore, we are waiting for Jesus—our heavenly perspective. Because as believers, we live in anticipation of Jesus’ return. Our hope is not here. That is why the Bible says:
“Be ready, then, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not think.” – Luke 12:40
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Either you live for Christ, or you live for yourself. The path with God requires total surrender. The narrow path is more difficult, but it is the only path that leads to eternal life.
Reflection Questions
· Which path are you on today: the narrow or the wide path?
·Are there things in your life that connect you to the world instead of to God?
*How can you make a choice today to fully commit yourself to Jesus? Romans 8:19-22**
“For the creation [the world] eagerly awaits the revealing of the sons of God“. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
