March 3rd

We are truly not of this world. Once we gave our lives to the Lord and learned the Truth, we were made new creatures, not of this world.

Jesus explained this to us in John 15 and prayed about it in John 17.

John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 17:14-16 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. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

We know we are sent into the world to be disciples making disciples, but we are not of this world. We are special, not behaving as if we are better or privileged, but a bright beacon of hope and light to a dark and dying world.

How do we balance relating to the world and being winsome with not compromising and not being distracted? Many struggle with this relationship and ruin their witness either by falling into sin/compromising situations or by becoming offensive with a “holier-than-thou” attitude. Perhaps the best way to wrap our heads around our relationship with the world is to keep our mission in mind. If we let our commission set our perspective we will likely have an easier time with that balance.

Do you see your neighbors, coworkers, “friends” and family as lost? Do you remember that they are slaves to the great deceiver? Or do you see them as idiots, not quite as sharp as you are? How you see them will affect your witness to them.

At one point in your life you were a slave, you were deceived. You were a slave to the great deceiver. Yes, we all have been. Even if you were raised in a Christian home, if at any point you were not completely surrendered to Jesus then you were deceived. So, let’s get off our high horses and realize that this world is slave to the deceiver and they are UNABLE to rescue themselves! We have been sent in behind enemy lines to carry out our part of the rescue mission. Our part is to bring the message of hope to them so that they can become aware of the Great Rescuer!

So, if you need to figure out how to live in this world and not be of this world, just remember your mission. When you question whether to do something or not, ask yourself if it will hurt the mission. If it will ruin your witness to those around you then it will hurt the mission and don’t do it and vice versa.

Another thing that may help is to remember to hate the sin not the sinner. Hate the deceiver, not the deceived.

Jude 1:22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

What kind of behavior do you expect from nonbelievers? If you remember that you would not expect a nonbeliever to live a holy life then perhaps you won’t get so disgusted or discouraged by the actions of those around you. Not that you would ever condone it, but disgust can come across as condemnation and belittlement. You would not be surprised if a nonbeliever cussed and was selfish and greedy, so quit expecting wholesome behavior from broken people. Instead realize that they are slaves and you have been sent into the world to deliver a message of hope and rescue.

When you are unsure how you should proceed, ask the Lord to help you see those around you through His eyes. It’s a burden so you will need to lean on Him to carry it for you, but, you will see disciples being made!

Jesus, thank you for your rescue. Help me to remember my mission and help me to remember that this is a rescue mission meant to deliver slaves from bondage. Thank you for giving me a part of your plan. Help me to carry it out bravely and boldly with your wisdom and discernment. Help me to be a message of hope, light and love.

They were all Ordinary Men. -God has a plan for each of us to be a part of his plan! Today’s verse to remind us that He has called us (the ordinary) to do the extraordinary:

Colossians 1:28-29 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.