Be Not of This World, But Sent Into It!

“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified (John 17:14-19).”

“[You] are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” ~Jesus

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).”

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy (1 Peter 1:14-16).”

Lord, I pray as we go about our day that we are reminded not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to allow you to shine through us so that we are salt and light to those around us.  Let us not be of this world, but sent into the world in order to spread the Gospel to the lost. In Jesus name, Amen!