6-25-2026 | In the World... But Not of the World

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”-1 John 2:15 

“My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”-John 17:15–16 

 Jesus never called us to hide from the world... He called us to shine in it.... 

We are meant to walk among people… cultures... and systems that often don’t reflect God’s truth... yet we are to remain different... set apart by the Spirit of God living within us. 

To be in the world means we live here with purpose... 

We work…. raise families... interact... serve… and love others just as Jesus did.... 

We engage with the broken and the ones who are searching… because that’s where light is most needed... 

But to be not of the world means our values... identity… and hope are rooted in heaven... not in the fleeting promises of this world. 

The world says... "Follow your heart."  Jesus says..."Deny yourself... take up your cross... and follow Me.”  The world says… “You deserve it.”  Jesus says… “Serve others before yourself.” 

The tension between these two kingdoms... the temporary and the eternal… is where the Christian life is lived out.... It’s not easy… but it’s Holy. 

Life Checkup... 

- Check Your Roots... Are your daily decisions shaped more by culture or by Scripture? 

- Guard Your Heart... Be mindful of what influences your thoughts… habits… and desires. 

- Shine... Don’t Blend... Let your life reflect Christ’s love and truth... even when it’s unpopular. 

- Pray for Strength... Ask God to help you live set apart without becoming isolated… prideful... or judgmental of those still seeking. 

“When we stay grounded in God’s Word... strengthened by prayer... and filled with His Spirit... we can walk confidently through a world that tries to conform us… knowing that we belong to another.”