In, Not Of, and Above

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” John 17:15-19

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God… For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 7:1; 10:3-5

There are many prepositions involved in God’s positioning of His people. He places us in the world to be a blessing and shine His light to the world, to live for the sake of the world, yet not to become part of the world in our thinking, affections, actions, or gods. The secret of our understanding our position and purpose is to live apart from the world, be continually transformed by renewing our minds, fixed above, on Him and His true principles, our wills reliant upon His leading and strength. (Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2)

And all this maneuvering is by His grace! It is He who quickens us unto regeneration and life, who redirects our loves and bolsters our efforts with courage. We face relentless opposition by the enemy and his unseen but vile and vicious forces in the heavenly realms, yet our weapons are superior and our Defense greater! (Ephesians 6:10-18)

“We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender;
  We go not forth alone against the foe;
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender.
  We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.  

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
  And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing;
  We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.” ~Edith Gilling Cherry (1872-1897)

How will we go into the world each day and make a difference?

Lord, as Your child, may I walk distinctly in the light, with You my light, spreading light for Your sake and honor. (1 John 1:7)