WE ARE STILL IN THE WORLD

SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2022

At a point in Jesus' teachings, specifically in the book of John, He mentioned that as Christians, we are in the world but not of this world. This statement to me, contains a "well-rounded and articulated" truth. It reveals two remarkable points: Firstly, we are in the world; Secondly we are not of it. While accepting the truth that we are not of this world, we must also consider the point that we are in the world now, from a factual point of view. "We are not of it" simply means, "Do not conform to its pattern", however it does not suggest that we should not partake of the full benefits.

Reference: Colossians 3:4 New Living Translation (NLT) "And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."

In the world we live, we can identify such a thing as inequality which denotes the obvious facts of unequal and unfair distribution and flow of resources and opportunities among mankind in general or to be specific, even among the same race in every nation. But in Christ, we have obtained just or righteous privileges, such as sharing in all His glory, not some of it. And we have an equal right with Christ, according to Romans 8:17 (NLT), which reads, "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory..."

The second thought is that Christ is our life and when He is revealed to the whole world, we shall fully partake of His glory. This is important because it increases the awareness of our spiritual focus, worship and origin. But here is the truth: Until Christ is revealed to the whole world, we are still here and we all have earthly needs. Although Christ is our life, which is derived from the spiritual standpoint, we are still being influenced by human wants which revolve around the guarantee of a good and functioning economy and the political articulation and wellness of any society or nation. This is because we have the human life to live and maintain until Christ appears in His full glory.

For instance, during His temptation in the wilderness, it was recorded that after fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was sternly hungry, showing that His long duration of prayer did not terminate the facet of human hunger. Jesus answered the tempter, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"' (Matthew 4:4 NIV). Doubtlessly, from the very lips of Jesus, we can acknowledge that bread (edibles) is equally important. As we function in the world, we are designed to live by both of them, not by just one alone.

No wonder times without number, Jesus had compassion on the large crowd listening to Him, when they had nothing to eat (for example, see Mark 8:1-3 NIV). I actually thought that the Word they received from the Master would strengthen them on their way home, but not so really. Strikingly, Jesus encouraged them to eat before leaving and thoughtfully He said, "And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far." Why? This was because they were still in the world, and the operating system in this world is the earthen vessel known as the "human body".

As a born again Christian, Jesus is your life but you still have the human life to live, maintain and sustain on earth, which requires earthly pursuits and possessions. When apostle Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 NIV), here is what He actually meant, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer the old, corrupt life, shaped by sinful nature and its influences, that I live, but my life is now patterned after Christ, who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Today, I'm not saying that you must be dependent on the world system; I'm only saying that as long as you live in the world, you must trust God actively and function wisely in all your earthly pursuits. As a child of the Most High, the world belongs to you. Therefore, go for all the great benefits, good things and possessions in the world by the leading of the Spirit, acquiring them in a godly manner. Having a husband, wife, children, raising a good home, possessing valuable assets, amassing wealth, treasures and more are of great importance, as you live in this world.

Beloved, Christ is your life but He's never going to be your earthly husband, wife, children, properties or take their place in your life. This is the reason He assured you of their provision, as you focus on His Kingdom (see Matthew 6:33), meaning that He created and made available all the good things of this life for your pleasure and comfortable life of luxury as you live for His glory. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 15:19; John 17:14-16; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 3:20.

Guided Prayer: Thank you Father in heaven because Christ has become my life. Thus, the life that I live now is the new life fashioned from divine nature and principle. By trusting wholly in Christ, the mode of my existence, state and condition on earth is determined by your gracious Word which builds me up and delivers my rightful inheritance to me, among all those who are sanctified and set apart for your purpose. Therefore I walk in perfection, abundance, health, favour, receiving the continual provision of every good and perfect gift and I possess all my possessions and untold wealth bequeathed to me by Christ, in Jesus' Name, Amen!