John 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.
In the world but not of the world has been a well known saying, but what does that mean? It seems that it is obvious we are in the world. I rarely stay home for twenty four hours, but even if I do, between the computers, and TV I am still in the world. Even though this blog is an effort toto not be of the world, I use the internet which is definitely of the world. I don't think life was much clearer in Jesus time, although perhaps isolation might last longer and feel more normal.
In the sermon on Sunday part of the topic was that Jesus said if we love him we will obey his commands. One command is proclaim that the Kingdom of heaven has come near. I said that it is as close as reaching out to Jesus with love seeking forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit. At that point I said the Kingdom of heaven is not near, it is here as I pointed to my heart. If I then continue in obedience, that is when I think I am in the world but not of it. Simple, very simple, but not always easy.
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