January 12, Not of the world
"They do not belong to the world." John 17:16
Jesus cared greatly about how His first followers related to the world around them, and He cares in this same way for you and me. Consider how Jesus prepared His original disciples to live in the world but not of it.
Once during a prayer for His disciples, Jesus stated, “they are not of the world as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16) Later in the same prayer Jesus said, “As You have sent me into the world, I have sent them.” (John 17:18) Looking at the entire context of this prayer, there are several things Jesus prayed for concerning the disciples’ position in the world. Today, consider two of these.
First, Jesus prayed that His joy would be in them. This references joyful obedience . Jesus said, “I speak these words so that they may have My joy made full in themselves." (John 17:13) In the same context where Jesus stated that His disciples are not of the world, Jesus prayed that they would know the joy of truly obeying the Father. Jesus delights in His followers and desires that they have the same Joy He had in His obedience to God (John 3:29, 15:11).
Many times we give in to the allurements of the world because they seem enjoyable. However, these fleeting sinful joys are only for a very short season (Hebrews 11:25). True joy is knowing that your heart is one with the Father. True joy is living in obedience to God and His ways for your life.
Second, Jesus prayed in accordance to the change God's Word brings. This references a spiritual distinction. Jesus prayed, "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." (John 17:14) The Word represents God’s Word and His instructions for living different from the culture. To be of the world expresses one having the same outlook as the world. God’s Word counters the world’s values, morals, and principles at every point. So, when your life becomes changed by God’s Word you counter the world’s value system, and in this way the world hates you. Jesus said this of His original followers, and the same applies for Christ's followers today.
This may seem like bad news to some - that the world hates you. But the spiritual distinction in your life comes from the truth of God's Word which leads you closer to His love and further away from the world's destructive patterns for life. Also, this distinction causes others to see God's love in you. Your life then becomes a powerful witness that will lead them to the Father's love as well.
So, why do we rejoice in not being of the world? The answer is clear: (1) there is immense joy in obeying God; and (2) living in such a way that leads others to the Father's love is the highest privilege.
"In the world and not of it." THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO LIVE!
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Read and meditate on the 17th chapter of John, and be blessed by the prayer Jesus prayed for His followers
