In the World But Not of It?

There is a lot of room for error for every believer who understands that while we are in the world, we should never become like the world. Living in America is a real test for all who claim to be disciples of Jesus. I have often thought that America has to be one of the most difficult countries in the world to live a faith driven life. I know that we have a lot of churches but they are starting to look more and more like any other commercial enterprise. I know that a lot of folks have Bibles in their homes. I also know that the most dedicated in their walk with the Lord suffer from a wide variety of temptations and are often hindered by the business of American life.

I know that Jesus died for us because His Father loved this world but the Bible also admonishes us to not to love the world nor the things of the world. So here's the rub, how do you do that? I guess that we better start by asking the right questions. What is the world? What are the worldly things?

This scripture always helps me understand the aspect of "world" in terms of its relationship to Christ is John 1:10.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

This scripture is a clear indicator that the world that God does not want us to become part of is the part of this world that does not recognize Christ.

Another scripture that helps me understand where I am in respect to my own relationship with the world is John 12:25,

The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

When I am deeply rooted in the world and loving every minute of it then I am living like a non-believer. The non-believer does not recognize the worlds alienation from Christ because the non-believers heart is deeply hardened to the things of God. The believer on the other hand struggles with his life in this world. The believer is in a constant battle to separate himself from the world and all its temptations. I understand this more than any other time in my life. I feel better knowing that I struggle. That tells me that I have been touched deeply by God and that my conscience and appetite for the world will always be counter balanced by the convicting of the Holy Spirit. I know that I sometimes wander into the wrong places but I also know that there is a limit to how far away I can go because the struggle in my soul begins all over again.

For all of you believers who struggle with your walk in America, be encouraged. You should be struggling because you have recognized Jesus and become a part of his body in this world and because of that you will never be completely comfortable while on this earth. In the world but not of it will always be our battle.