In the World, But Not of It – Yet Sent Into It
Sign up to receive blog updates straight to your inboxBeing a Christian means navigating a world filled with differing beliefs, values, and priorities. We are called to be different— to embrace a life set apart by God. But Jesus didn’t want His followers to isolate themselves from the world; instead, He sent us into it with intentionality and mission.
In His prayer for His disciples, Jesus highlights this calling in John 17:15-18: “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. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
As we explore how to live out this calling, here are four essential steps to stay strong in your faith while making a difference around you.
To live differently in this world, we need to ground ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible teaches us about His heart, values, and what He considers good. When faced with influences that pull us away from this truth, having Scripture deeply embedded in our hearts and minds can guide us.
Action Step: Spend time in Scripture daily to renew your mind. Passages like Romans 12:2 (“Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”) and Colossians 3:2 (“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things”) remind us to focus on what holds eternal value. Additionally, Matthew 5:14-16 emphasizes our mission as believers to be “the light of the world.”
In a world filled with mixed messages, it’s essential to have Christian friends who encourage us to stay rooted in our faith. Friends who love Jesus remind us of our purpose, pray with us, and help us live lives that are “not of this world.” These relationships empower us to live out our faith journey with confidence.
Action Step: Dive into community by joining a youth group, Christian club at school or starting one if there’s none available. Seek out friends who also want to follow Jesus, so you can hold each other accountable and grow together in faith.
Jesus calls us to be light in the world—not to blend in, but to shine brightly and reflect His love. You can be a “light” by showing compassion, standing up for what’s right, and being a supportive friend. Your actions often speak louder than words.
Action Step: Each day, look for small ways to show kindness and be helpful. Whether it’s listening to a friend in need, volunteering in your community, or choosing to speak kindly about others, these actions reflect Jesus’ love without needing a sermon.
Jesus didn’t want us to withdraw from the world; He sent us into it to show His love and make a positive impact. When we recognize this mission, we can approach life with a sense of purpose and excitement, knowing we’re part of something greater.
Action Step: Reflect on your unique gifts and think about how you can use them for good. Our God-given abilities can open doors for sharing the message of Jesus. Whether through art, music, leadership, helping others, or simply being a good friend, we can use our gifts to spread the good news (Matthew 28:19-20).
Being “in the world but not of it” means we’re not meant to adopt the world’s ways; instead, we’re called to shine brightly within it. Jesus didn’t ask us to simply avoid the world’s influences; He sends us into the world to illuminate what it means to live with genuine faith and purpose. Let’s do that!
