We’ve been talking about enjoying life, finding happiness and living to the fullest. Part of doing this is to be in the world but not of the world. Let’s break that phrase down.
Your self-control is going to determine what gets control of your life. Your self-control in every area of your life determines who has control over your life. Your appetites for the things of this world can wage war against what is best for you.
Of the world
We are not meant to be controlled by the things of this world. When we allow our desire for more wealth, more power and more influence to take over, then we are buying into the appetites of the world. We can not serve both God and the pursuit of material things. The pursuit of things and position are what is meant by being of the world. That is not the calling we, as followers of Christ, have on our lives.
In the world
Just because the world volleys for us to abandon self-control and pursue what the world offers does not mean we are to remove ourselves completely from the world. The world was created by a loving God who called it all good. When we learn self-control we can fully embrace and enjoy the goodness that God created.
Being in the world also means we are to love those who God loves. We were called to love one another regardless of differences, regardless of beliefs, and regardless of the difficulty. We surrender our hearts to God, not the world. In doing so, we remain in the world to shower His love on others.
How to be in the world but not of the world
“That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.” Mark 10:45 (MSG)
Jesus’ kingdom is an “others first” kingdom. If you want to know what “an others” first kingdom looks like, then look to the example of Jesus’ life. He showed us what it looks like to put others before self. You and I are invited to be in the world in the same way that Jesus was in the world ,and we are called to be doing the business of the Kingdom. Look to Jesus. He showed us how to do this in His everyday life.
If you are wondering what it means to authentically follow Jesus, join us on Unfiltered Radio as we investigate who He claimed to be and how He taught us to interact with one another.