In the World

Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Titus 2:12

If we are honest with ourselves one of the hardest areas to overcome in our lives is worldly passions. I struggle with this just as much as any other Christian. I watched the super bowl half-time show with my family this past Sunday. As my children and grandchildren were watching the show I was struck with the thought that I have become immune to ungodly worldly passion. The dance moves that Lady Gaga was performing were sexual provocative and I found myself being ashamed that I was watching the performance with children in the room. I had to ask myself the question would I have felt the same way if they had not been in the room. I must admit I was concerned to see Christians on social media praising her performance. How do believers in Jesus Christ enjoy what He hates? The problem is that we do not hate sin like He hates sin.

As believers in Jesus Christ we are simply in the world, that is physically present, but not of it, not part of its values. Jesus said 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. (John 17:14-15). We should be set apart from the world. We are not to engage in or enjoy the sinful activities the world promotes. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2 tells how we are to do that, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  This is a daily activity and commitment. We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. 

Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God. We need to look within ourselves and see if have been so seduced by the world that we no longer look any different than those of the world.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark