In But Not of the World

Today’s scripture reminds me of a particular football player. He is one of the most talented players of his generation and professes to be a Christian. When he wins competitions, he is usually spotted carrying a banner or wearing a headband with the words “I Love Jesus” or “100% Jesus”.

Outside of football, he lives a very lavish and flamboyant lifestyle. He spends most nights at clubs partying and drinking. He has been banned from the football pitch for making racist comments and for violence. He has been accused of rape. The world loves him because they see him as no different from them. How, then, do we reconcile the fact that he is a professing Christian? His values and lifestyle are more aligned with the world’s than with Christ’s.

It is easy to call ourselves a Christian. But, Jesus paints us this reality - if we are really part of the vine, the world would hate us because the values of the kingdom are in opposition to the values of the world. Likewise, if the world loves us and sees that we are no different from them, then we can be certain that we are a part of the world and carry its values and lifestyle. A disciple of Christ’s lifestyle and values will always be in opposition to the world’s!

That is why it is so important for us to constantly examine our relationship with the world. Are we becoming more worldly, or are we becoming more set apart?

A couple of years ago, I wrote a short article on Facebook detailing the reasons I support the traditional family model and its value system. To my horror, I received a lot of “hate messages” from various individuals, some of whom are Christians. This was when reality set in for me. Was I ready to make a stand for what I truly believe? Should I apologise for supporting the traditional family unit and adopt a more liberal view?

When we are sent out to love and serve the lost, it is so important that we do not compromise on our values. It is so easy to participate and embrace the world’s way of relating to each other, but as believers, we have an advantage - the Holy Spirit. He is the one who will serve as our conscience. When we are lost in the world, He will remind us of what is true and right in the eyes of God.

The world’s ways will always be in opposition to God’s. We need to constantly examine our ways and ask the Holy Spirit to prompt us when we are deviating from the example that Jesus set for us.

Reflection

• Ponder: Jesus was fully human and fully God while He was on the earth. Because of His humanity, how did He live a life that was set apart?
• Examine our relationship with the world. Are we becoming more worldly, or are we becoming more set apart? Ask the Lord to remove these ways from you and to turn your eyes to the example of Christ.

Application

Dare to make a stand on your values and character when you relate with the world so that in all things, we imitate Jesus and God is glorified.