"Out of this world” was a famous phrase in the 80’s. It spoke of something extraordinary, something unfamiliar to the culture of our world, out of the norm. In a sense, this is true of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ. Jesus stated in His intercessory prayer to the Father in John 17:14-16 - “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that You take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Jesus came from heaven to show us the Father and redeem humanity from sin's power; He lived in the world but was not of the world. His will was to do the will of the Father and accomplish His purposes.
The same rule applies to us who belong to Jesus. He left an example for us to follow. We should resist the temptations of our sinful desires, which are easily swayed by the pleasures of this world. Even though we live in this world, we are not of the world. We must have a different attitude and mindset than the world, whose hearts are depraved and who live against God’s will.
Our affections and attention should be focused on things above where Christ is seated and not on the things of the earth. (Colossians 3:1-2) This does not mean we neglect our duties and obligations here but that our main focus and passions should be on the Lord and those things that please Him. We are to be light in the darkness, reflecting Christ's radiance amidst this world's depravity. Jesus lived radically different and was not afraid to stand out in the crowd.
If we are not careful, we can allow the world to shape us into its mold and look more like the corrupted world around us instead of Jesus. Therefore, we are not to take our cues from the world’s culture but to walk and follow in His steps—to walk as Jesus walked. Our walk and our attitudes must differ from those of the world whose gods are the pleasures of their sinful flesh.
Amid the ever-increasing influence of evil that surrounds us daily, we are strongly encouraged in Romans 12:2 - (Phillips Translation) - “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”
As Christians, we are in the midst of spiritual warfare, and its battleground is our minds. Therefore, we must allow God’s word to wash and cleanse our thoughts daily. The word of God sanctifies and purifies us, conforming our thoughts and hearts to the perfect will of God. If you have neglected time with the Lord lately, I encourage you to go back and pray, reading His word each day. Then, you will grow in your faith and understanding of His plan for your life. Don’t be intimidated by the world’s standard, but let your life reflect a life not of this world - a life out of this world. Even though we are in this world, we are not of this world. In setting our minds on things above, Paul also stated in Philippians 3:20 (Philips) - “But we are citizens of Heaven; our outlook goes beyond this world to the hopeful expectation of the Savior who will come from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ.” I encourage you to rest and find peace in the Lord Jesus as you place your hope on this glorious truth.