We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Yes, we continue to live and work on this earth, but we are not to be influenced by the spirit and system of the world. In other words, we are not to seclude ourselves in some isolated communities, unless God has specifically called as such. We cannot escape the bombardment of the culture in our society, which is often ungodly. Yet, we are called to be set apart, reflect Biblical values, to live and shine as lights in the world.

When we are born of the Spirit and produce the fruits of the Spirit, we will face hostility from people who are in the flesh. When they are antagonistic toward God, they will hate His children too. This is the age-old conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Sometimes, even the religious people oppose those of us who walk in the Spirit. Just as the Pharisees hated Christ, sadly, the apostate and backslidden church also hinders and rejects those who are following the Lord. In the Bible, “Egypt” is a type of the world. It looks attractive but it is not the Promised land. Consider the faith and life of Moses, who is an example for us. He could have stayed in Egypt, but have chosen to renounce Egypt.

We need God’s protection. We must live by the Word. We do not compromise by using worldly methods to reach out to the lost. What I am going to say will be controversial. I say it not with joy but with grief and burden. In some churches, they are using worldly music, and in other cases, so-called modern contemporary Christian rock music to try to reach out to the lost. Now, I am not judging the motives of these artists and musicians. They may be sincere but such methods are foolish and fleshly! They try to be seeker sensitive to the crowds but they may grieve and quench the Holy Spirit!

The gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit moves, it will convict hearts of “sin, righteousness and judgment!” We don’t win the drug addicts by taking drugs. We don’t win the gamblers by gambling. Jesus is a friend of tax collectors and sinners, but He does not adopt their lifestyles or incorporate the ways of the world!

We need a supernatural transformation of our mind and spirit! The world likes to boast and display outward expressions of success. For Christians, it is the renewing of our inner heart that is true worship. Our thoughts, words, behaviours and habits are not to please men, but to honour and glorify the Lord! God is our supreme interest and affections in our daily life! May our lives conform to the Word of God, and our hearts transformed by the Spirit of God!