The World and the Church

As Christ's followers we are called to be in the world but
not of the world.  Often times this poses a dilemma in our minds.  We try to be relavent to the culture but need to maintain a consecrated life to God.

The world is forever trying to encroach on the church like weeds vigorously entering into a garden crossing a boundary.

We are so prone to buy into some of the false ideologies and doctrines of the day and so we must stay vigilant and watchful that we do not conform to the ways of the world but that we offer the light and glory of Christ.

Jesus gives us insight in John 17 as he prays to the Father on our behalf.

But now I am coming to you, 

and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  

I have given them your word, 

and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, 

but that you keep them from the evil one.  

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  

Sanctify them in the truth; 

your word is truth.  

As you sent me into the world, 

so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, 

that they also may be sanctified in truth.  

Jesus is so gracious to pray for us as we endeavor to be in the world and not of the world.  He knew that this would be difficult and he knew that in doing this the enemy would be hard after us and so he asks the Father to keep us from the evil one.

Then he continues to ask Him to sanctify us in the truth of the word.  Jesus was consecrated so that we could be sanctified in the truth!

Wow!  That is a pretty powerful truth! 

He then goes on to say that all this is so that we can be one and in community with the Father and the Son, communing with them, so that the world may believe that Jesus was sent by God.

Jesus continues to pray and explain that the glory given to him by the Father he wants to give to us so that we can be in fellowship with the Godhead!  

As Christ reveals to us the love of the Father, we are then equipped to show forth His glory to the world!  

What a beautiful picture of His revealed plan for our lives and I just Love Love Love how Jesus' desire is for us to know the Father through Him so that we can then be like Him!

He just blows my mind!  Thank Your Lord for Your word and we ask that You sanctify us in the truth of the Father's love so we can be in the world and not of the world and bring many into glory just like Jesus did when he brought his friends up the mountain with him.

Father, that Your love for Jesus would open our eyes and transform our minds and cause us to rise and have no fear as we are exiles in a foreign land, taking captivity captive like Christ did!