The World - In It But Not Of It Sample

If you have ever seen a building under construction, you may have noticed that the foundation takes a lot of preparation and focus. After all, without a strong foundation, the structure can collapse. People need a strong foundation, too. In Jesus’ last prayer, He gives us a firm foundation. He first says that His followers "do not belong to the world.” The word “world” here refers to all that exists on earth that is hostile to God. Jesus is saying that your identity is no longer found in the world. It is now found in Christ. He is now the foundation of your life. When you confess that Jesus is Lord of your life and commit to following Him for your lifetime, you become a new creation. You are given a new heart, and you have crossed from death to life. You no longer belong to the world, just as Jesus did not belong to the world. The foundation for living “in the world” but not “of the world” is understanding that your identity is first and foremost a child of God. Every area of your life is now changed because you belong to God’s kingdom, not the powers that rule on Earth. REFLECTION Think about the new identity you have been given in Jesus. Is there any other identity or “label” that you put on yourself that is more important than “child of God”?