The Bible tells us that we are not of this world. So what exactly does that mean and why does it matter? We find ourselves engaged in worldly desires as humans. Each one of us has focused on human desires at one point or another in our life. It is easy to be consumed by things. We want to get the promotion at work. The new car is always fixated on our mind. Our kids must have this or that in their lives to be content.
When we put ourselves in this world, we expose ourselves to more sin in our lives. Focusing on worldly possessions and desires takes our focus off of God. One of Satan's greatest tricks is to entice us with bright shiny things in our life. He likes to dangle the carrot and tempt us to desire temporary satisfactions.
1 John 2:15 NASB “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
What 1 John 2:15 is telling us is that we cannot put our hope in the world or earthly things. These things are just temporary and are not everlasting. We could die tomorrow and what good would that new car be? We are called to live in the world by being the salt and light. However, we are not called to be of the world.
We must remember that we are not of this world if we follow Jesus. When we follow Jesus, the Bible tells us that the world will hate us. It is not a fun position to be in if we let our worldly emotions overtake the spiritual connection we have with Jesus.
John 17:14 NASB “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
We are not of this world, and we must embrace that fact.
Being surrounded by non-believers is not easy if you are weak in your faith. You are always torn between what you know is right and what you desire. Not only do you slip into worldly desires, but you also embrace them. When you start buying into man truths instead of God truths, you push yourself farther away from God. Instead of taking a stand and verbalizing what God want us to do, you sit silent hoping that nonbelievers will not attack you.
Since we are not of this world, we place our faith in Jesus. We know that our place is in heaven under the authority of a loving God. Instead of being selfish or foolishly tempted, we desire to please God by following his will. We take a stand when the world says we are wrong. No longer are we silent, but we boldly proclaim Biblical truths. We know no matter how much the world hates us, our Creator, our Father loves us. He is proud of us.
Do we want to want to be like the servant in Matthew? What will God say to us when we finally meet face to face? Have you led a life of this world or has your life been lived to follow the glory of Heaven?
Matthew 25:21 NIV “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”