What does living in the world but not being of the world, really mean? You’ve probably seen some of the bumper stickers that say something like Not of This World.
This saying comes from the Bible verse,
John 17: 15-17, “I do not ask that you take them out of this world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of this world, just as I am not of this world, 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
So what does it look like to navigate this world while still being in the truth? Do we shed our old lives, leaving them bare? Do we start a whole new life and reject the old? Or, is it that we navigate a world with a new perspective coming from the truth? How do we choose projects and people that align with a new view and still thrive in the world? It can get tricky but I believe you can do it.
Do people know that you are a Christian, if you are one? Or, do you stay hidden, afraid to be rejected if people knew the real you?
The verse before John 17:15 is John 17:14, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of this world, just as I am not of the world.”
We may not have heard about many ordinary people who have chosen not to be of this world. They have proclaimed Jesus’ name without fear. You may have passed them on the street speaking or singing about their love for God. Most of them help in community service or at church. They may have risked everything for their love and yet they remain unknown.
There are a few famous people that are in this world but choose to speak about not being of this world. Below are some categories with people who have spoken about the love that shines inside of them. You might have seen a trend where once they announced their faith, they had challenges from the world. You might not agree with everything they stand for but you have to agree they had courage. Possibly, there was a lot of controversy around them. Most likely, you haven’t heard of all the challenges they went through because they tried to stay focused on what matters.
So, regardless of the challenges that might arise, are you willing to tell people about Jesus, or are you trying to hold on to this shaky world for fear the world will hate you?
Please note, initially this list was written with names of examples in each category but after careful consideration, it was determined to not include their names in order to protect them from further issues that might arise. So, when you think of people in each of these categories what names come to mind?
Yes, TV Preachers
Musicians/Singers/Songwriters
TV Hosts
Movie Stars
Athletes