In it but not of it...

As you can see, i am not doing very well with keeping up with this blog thing. I am hoping to get better. Disciplined - even. Any way... today I have been thinking about God calling us to be in the world, but not of the world and what that looks like?

The best example I can think of is Jesus, so we'll start (and finish) there. He was in it - but not of it. He used examples people could understand to show them his father and point them to his kingdom. He met them where they were at, connected with them using the familiar. So, how do we, as believers keep up with what is going on in the world so when we speak to people in the world we are relevant and sound intelligent, but not become so wrapped up in it that we can be said to be "of the world"? I think Jesus would say that his connection with his father allowed him to be able to do this. He stole time away with his father on a regular basis - away from the "world". He talked with him and kept the relationship strong. So I think that is the key for us as well. Keeping our relationship strong with our heavenly father will allow us to be in the world but not of it. To be a good witness to those he places in our path. It will be difficult, even distasteful at times, but we are called to follow this example. The bible doesn't give us the opportunity to pick and choose what pieces of it we want to follow.

I'm up for the challenge - are you?