In John 17:16, Jesus said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
As believers, we are in the world – that means it is our temporary home. But we are not of the world. We shouldn’t try to identify with the world. We don’t belong to the world. We’ve been bought with a price (I Corinthians 6:20). We now belong to Christ. Christ is not of this world. Therefore, his followers are not of this world. Which means that there should be a noticeable difference between the children of this world and the disciples of Christ.
- We should not look like the world. II Corinthians 7:1 says, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
- We should not act like the world. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”
- We should not think like the world. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- We should not talk like the world. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus said, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
- We should not be like the world. I John 3:3 says, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
As believers, we should in no way resemble the world.
I Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” We are to be different!
The world is God’s enemy; therefore, the world is our enemy. And “…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4 To be a friend of the world means that you are willing to compromise God’s word and abandon any stand for Christ by gravitating toward worldly philosophies to please those around you.
Strive to please God. Draw close to Jesus. Live a godly lifestyle. Take a solid stand for Christ. Separate yourself from the ungodliness of the world. I Peter 1:15-16 say, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”