Being in the World, not of the World

Commentary By:  Gordon King

A fallen world, the world in which we live.  Being a Christian in the world is a very difficult task.  We must live in the world while at the same time not be of the world.  This may seem easy to some, but I bet you a red penny, for many of us it’s not. 

I for one, find it very hard not to be part of the world.  We are to be Christ-like, to spread His love, mercy, and forgiveness.  This part is a no-brainer for me.  However, we must also live in the world, make a living in the world, and survive in the world.  We can’t just sit back in a cave waiting for Jesus to return for us.  As Christians and as humans, we need to be in the world.  We do live in the world, there is no changing that, like it or not.

I think that the most difficult part of all this is to not conform to the world.  In modern society this can be a daunting task with all of the technology and conveniences that we have, with all of the secularism surrounding us.  What to watch and what not to watch, what to wear and what not to wear, where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do, should I decide on this or on that?  It’s not always so “black and white”, there is not always a defining line laid out before us.

I mean really, should I only watch Christian movies, or is it ok to watch secular movies also?  Should I only read Christian books, or is it ok to read secular books as well?  Is it ok to watch secular programming on television, or should I only watch Christian programming?  Can I listen to secular radio stations or should I only listen to Christian radio programs?  The list goes on my friends, on and on.

If you were not raised into a Christian home, as I was not, then the task can be even more difficult.  If most of your family are not Christian, then this just adds fuel to the fire.  Not only that, but with most of society conforming to the world, we have an even more difficult time discerning what we should do should not do.

We all come from different back grounds and have different experiences in life.  Not one of us are alike.  We are all unique individuals with our own talents and abilities.  Our perspectives of the world are coming from different places molded by our experiences in life.  Therefore we must be patient, kind, and have mercy on those around us.

We must seek the Lord in all that we do, I know this.  However, sometimes we don’t hear God.  Sometimes we don’t feel led by the Holy Spirit.  These are the times that are most difficult.  There are times when I cry out to the Lord for help, for Him to show me the way, and to lead me in His will.  Sometimes He does, and other times He doesn’t, or least I don’t hear Him.

The fact is, that I don’t have all of the answers.  I am not a perfect Christian, and I will be the first one to admit it.  I am growing in the Lord, learning His ways.  I know that I love the Lord, that I seek His face and to be with Him in heaven.  I know that the Lord is changing me and molding me to His image.  These things I do know.  I also know that the Lord works on His own time schedule, not mine.  I know that I need to be patient with Him, with myself and with others.

I am not writing this to give an answer as to “how we are to live in the world”, but rather to give food for thought.  How many other brothers and sisters in Christ go through the same thing?  Do you also find it difficult to live in the world, or is it an easy task for you? 

The point is, that this is the reality of our situation.  We cannot change it.  We are living in the world.  If you are like me, then you are not alone.  Keep the faith, stay strong, and encourage one another with the word of God.

God bless my friends!