In the world, and yet not to be of the world!
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." John 17:16
What a difficult matter it is to be in the world, and yet not to be of the world! Our Lord Himself carried out this principle. He passed through the world, as one who was not of it. Oh, that we could but imitate His holy example.
It should be our whole endeavor to do all the good we can in it and for it; and yet to never imbibe its spirit, its principles, and its maxims. How can a believer walk through this world safely and securely? Only as he is upheld by a strength that is Omnipotent!
I am passing through a world lying in the wicked one.
I belong to another kingdom, which is not of this world.
Dear friend, see then, your high calling! He has called you to come out of the world and to be separate; in principle, in practice, in heart.
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19
"I have given them Your Word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world." John 17:14