SEP 2

John 17:16
Memorise Philippians 2:15
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

“Christians should be in the world, but not of the world” – I’m sure this is a phrase that you have heard repeated so often. But what exactly does it mean to be “in the world, but not of the world”? If we are in the world, how can we not be of the world? As always, Christ is our perfect example. As much as Christ was fully God, He was also fully man. Difficult as it may be to fathom, Christ once lived on the very same earth we now live on too. He ate the same food and breathed the same air. He lived amongst people just like you and me. Yet though He was physically in the world, He was never of the world. He was never a partaker of worldly pleasures, nor was He a follower of worldly trends. He didn’t indulge in worldly practices, nor did He delight in worldly activities. Yes, He was present on earth, but His gaze was always fixed heavenwards, seeking only the things that glorify God and bring honour to His name.

Likewise for us who call ourselves followers of Christ, this same description should apply to us. You might find yourself placed in a worldly environment, interacting with classmates who curse and swear and blaspheme the name of God. You might even be in a family made up of non-believers – you might have parents who discourage you from attending church services in favour of tuition classes on Sunday, or siblings who make fun of you when you do your quiet time. But do you allow yourself to be affected by such worldly influences? Or are you able to keep up a blameless Christian testimony even in the midst of such temptations and difficulties?

Of course, this does not mean that we are to entirely cut ourselves off from all contact with non-Christians. If not, how are we to win souls for the kingdom of God? Christ Himself was found in the company of the basest members of society – the harlots, the tax-collectors etc. But though He was among them, He never participated in any of their sins, nor did He condone them. Rather, His sole mission was to bring them the message of the gospel. Dear teen, may this likewise be your motivation and purpose – to keep yourself pure from the stains of sin. As you continue your Christian walk on this earth, may you maintain a blameless testimony that is ‘out of this world’, that you may be able to bring the glorious message of salvation to those whom God has placed in your path.

Thought: To be in the world but not of the world is not a paradox, but a command for every Christian.
Prayer: Lord, keep me pure from the sinful earth-stains.