Shortly before his crucifixion Jesus told the disciples that though they were in the world, they should not be of the world (John 17:14). Jesus prayed, “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 (John 17:15-16).” So as Christians we should not be “of the world.”
However, we live in the world and scripture indicates we should not retreat from the world altogether. How else could we be the salt of the earth or a light in the world (Matthew 5:13-15)?
Yet on the other hand we must be careful not to conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). So we need to be cautious about getting sucked into worldly philosophies that influence our values, attitudes, and behaviors which can negatively impact our relationship with Christ.
So what is a Christian to do?
Paul seemed to have a certain balance between the two concepts of being in the world but not of the world. Paul was able to use his cultural knowledge for the benefit of Christ. He could quote pagan philosophers when speaking before the educated in Athens. When he told them, “In him we live and move and have our being.” Paul was referring to Christ but he was quoting the Greek philosopher Epimenides, who said the same thing about the pagan god Zeus (Acts 17:28). When he said, “We are his offspring,” he quoted a different philosopher, Aratus. It was Paul’s very knowledge of these teachings that enabled him to talk to dignitaries of the world. In doing so he was able to get the message of Christ across to those who probably would have never heard it – or if they heard it, they would not have listened.
Paul had the ability to adapt his message and maybe his lifestyle to become all things to all people so he could win as many as possible for Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). To the Jew he became as a Jew; to the weak he became weak; to those not having law he became as one not having law. In other words, he found a common ground with those around him so they would accept him and listen to what he had to say. Paul had the ability to be “in the world,” plus maintain his loyalty and relationship with Christ.
Therefore Christians shouldn’t be withdrawn and into themselves. In many ways we look and act like everyone we meet. We are educated, have jobs, participate in hobbies, and join in activities. However, we don’t compromise our principles, nor do we have a holier than thou attitude. Our main purpose is still to serve Christ, but we realize God loves everyone. So it doesn’t hurt to be available to people when they have questions about God. Being available doesn’t happen if we are not participating in life. So if we are in the world, eventually we may get the chance to let others know we are not of the world – we are of Christ.
