IN, BUT NOT OF ... How do I maintain my equilibrium in daily living?One of the great dilemmas of the Christian life is to know how we should relate to the world around us. For me, this has been a lifelong challenge. In my call to business, I am daily among people who not only don’t know Christ, but don’t have the slightest interest. Some embrace lifestyles and habits directly opposed to biblical patterns. As we try to navigate such waters, we can err in two ways: One is to isolate—to draw back from the messy world around us. This can be convenient, but isn’t realistic. Further, if our isolation robs others of the witness we can bring as followers of Jesus, isn’t that selfish on our part? We may actually be the only “bible” they are reading! The other error is to assimilate—to be so much like those around us there is no visible difference. But the Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear distinction (see Malachi 3:18). We should be different in ways that are important, yet approachable and accessible in ways that engage us in the lives of others. Jesus is an incredible model for us. He neither isolated nor assimilated. He interacted with people where they were, in the marketplaces of His day, but without the slightest deviation from His integrity or values. He said: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Salt has cleansing, flavoring and preservative qualities. But it does no good if it is confined to a box or bottle! KEY VERSE: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it... As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:16, 18).
Posted on: Sat, 05 Oct 2013 08:47:26 +0000
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