In the World - But Not of the World

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We hear that Christians have to live in the world, but should not be of the world. Pretty easy to say, a nice catch phrase. This last week, well since Thursday, during a conversation with my Dad, I had not really given it the import it deserved.

Dad and I where talking about living a sinless life, resisting the devil, lusts of the flesh, our own selfish desires, the I or me in everything we do. I became a little frustrated, where do all of these ungodly distractions stem from?

1 John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Christians live, study, work, and play in the world everyday. Are we mindful to be separate, are we prepared to be separate, do we equip ourselves to be separate?

I have not separated myself from the world properly. This is a constant task, keeping my heart and mind on God, and not the things of the world!

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

What music do I listen to? What movies, and TV shows, do I watch? Do I struggle with control of my words? Do I talk about others? Do I complain about my job, or people at work? Do I keep myself from the appearance of evil?

Colossians 3:23-24

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Who are my friends? What is my daily fellowship? Do I participate in questionable activities? Rude, or off color jokes, and discrimination? Foul language and behavior?

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

God's Word has shown me exactly what I have missed. I have allowed satan to suck me into the world I should be separate from. Daily worldly temptations, sins of the flesh so subtle and hurtful, working to destroy my fellowship with God, hurting my witness, lessening any Godly influence or effect I might have on those around me.

Romans 13:13-14

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

I give thanks and glory to my God and Savior for His grace in showing me from His Word the answers I need to live my life for Him.

Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I am to be the light of the world, drawing it to the Loving Glory and Magnificence of God our Father!

That is why I live in the World, but I must not be part of the World!