Being in the world but not of the world 

Scripture for today: Genesis 19:23-29 

You may be familiar with the expression; “We should be in the world but not of the world.” That expression is often used to mean that Christians shouldn’t be friends with unsaved people. But that’s not what the expression means. Instead it means that while we live in this world, we shouldn’t allow the world to influence us.       

In Genesis 14, Abram and his nephew Lot had too many cattle and were going to have to split up. So Abram gave lot first choice. Lot looked at the region of Sodom and it looked good for raising cattle, so he chose it. Lot ignored the fact that the area was known for its wickedness. 

So Lot settled in Sodom. There came a time when God told Lot He was going to destroy Sodom and Lot should leave. As Lot and his wife were fleeing, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Lot and his wife had been influenced by Sodom rather than them influencing it. 

We live in this world. And we should build relationships with people in this world so that we can share the love of Christ. But we shouldn’t let the world influence us. We shouldn’t become like the world. 

Live in the world, yes. But don’t become like the world. We are to be salt and light to the world. Let’s focus on that and not let the world change us.