Not Of This World
The world is a crazy place right now. Sometimes I am concerned the whole place has gone mad. Sometimes I remark how we all “just need Jesus.” With an election, a pandemic, social distancing, life changes, and everything in between, it is easy to feel lost. The world has been in an identity crisis for some time now, but it has been glaringly obvious this past year. What is even worse, I fear Christians may be in an identity crisis themselves.
Churches and Christians alike seem to think to reach the world we need to become worldly minded. While I can understand their intention, this is not Biblically sound. We often let the world - including friends, social media, celebrities, and even Christian influences - define who we are. The world cannot define us, because we are not of the world (John 17:14-16). When we become ‘worldly minded,’ guess what happens? We become like the world, and we may not have even noticed it happening in the first place. Romans 12:2 clearly says, “Do not conform to this world,” but when we do, it is easy to fall into the slavery of sin.
I get it. It is difficult to be a Christian in today’s society. Sin has become second-nature in our culture. It is like a four letter word, something we can not discuss or call out, but we are drowning in it. We write sin off as being free, independent, or expressing yourself. We see it on television and social media, listen to it on the radio, and read it in books. You can be the outcast for holding on to the things you believe and loving Jesus. What is worse - we as Christians have become quite reserved about our faith. Unfortunately, some have even become quite ugly about their faith and hold themselves on a pedestal.
Sometimes as Christians, we believe we need to be perfect or we must earn God’s love. Love covers a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8). God’s love is unconditional (John 3:16, Psalm 36:7). We mess up and make mistakes; we are human. Our mistakes and sins do not define us. However, this does not give us the green light to knowingly sin, but God grants us grace when we stray. That grace comes at a price, and that price was Jesus. We find redemption, grace, and forgiveness in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7, John 1:14, James 4:6, Hebrews 4:16).
Our society tells us we should definitely have free thought, but we should not offend others with those opinions. We should speak up for what we believe in, but only if it matches the norm of beliefs. Our society has established the importance of diversity, but only if it lines up with their definition. So as to not ‘rock the boat’ or have people believe we are some type of radical Christian, we do not disrupt these ideas.
This is the time to stand firm in what we believe. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13-16:
“You are the salt of the Earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Jesus is not asking each of us to preach in front of hundreds of people (although He may call you individually to do so), He is telling us to be a light to a dark world. Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.”
With so many negative voices, why not listen to the voice of God instead? He tells us exactly who we are and how we can find our identity in Him. Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philiphians 3:20, 2 Timothy 1:7) and we are God’s own children (Galatians 3:26). You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) in the image of Christ (Genesis 1:27). Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you and set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5), He has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11), and God knows every hair on your head (Luke 12:7). 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, “You are a chosen people, [. . .] God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” This is where your identity lies - in Christ.
We, as Christians, do not live a life of restrictions and rules, but one full of life (John 10:10). You are no longer a slave to sin; we have freedom in Christ (Romans 6:1-7).
Yes, Jesus socialized with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:16), but He was focused on redeeming. Our world could use some of that. We are in the world, but not of it. We need to display where our identity lies. We have been able to replace our emptiness with Jesus. Show the world God’s character and refuse to fit into the world’s mold.
Be a witness to others, pray for them, show them love, show them in whom your identity lies, and, if necessary, use words.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.