A verse commonly preached and taught about in churches today is Romans 12:2, which states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (NASB95).” This seems like a very tall order in the culture we live in today. When I was a child, (I’m showing my age a bit here) we could leave our doors unlocked in some neighborhoods, play until the streetlights came on, neighbors watched out for each other, and we got away with nothing because everyone knew our parents. It was a simpler time, yet not as simple as our parents’ or grandparents’ time. As a Gen X’er, I grew up in a time when traditional parenting roles were beginning to change: a time when moms were going back to work shortly after babies were born and children were left with grandparents, family members, or daycares more often than in generations past. Times were changing, but still relatively simple, nothing like what we see today. You may ask, “What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?” Simply put, Scripture has not changed although the times have changed. God’s values, God’s Word, and God’s direction have not changed, but our culture has.
So, what does it mean to be in the world, but not of it (see John 17:14-15)? It means we participate in daily life, interacting with others. We do not hide in corners or shelter ourselves from life. We do not live in cult-like compounds where we block out the world. We are faced with the experiences of the world, all while having beliefs and values different from theirs. We learn to balance living in the world while being morally separate. The Apostle Paul references this topic in 2 Corinthians 6:17, where he quotes Isaiah 52:11 (NASB95), “Depart, depart, go out from there, Touch nothing unclean; Go out of the midst of her, purify yourselves, You who carry the vessels of the Lord.” This does not mean we neglect the responsibilities of the world. We work jobs, pay our taxes, provide for our families, and help the poor and needy (See Matthew 22:21, Romans 13, Hebrews 13:16).
Generally speaking, we should avoid being excessively materialistic. Now this does not necessarily mean going without or selling everything and giving it to the poor, unless of course, God tells you to. The parable of the Rich young ruler in the gospels (Matthew 10, Mark 10, Luke 18) is an example of this. Jesus did instruct him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, but there was a reason. This Rich ruler had followed God since he was young. He thought his heart was right in all areas. So, when instructed to sell his possessions, it revealed an area of his life not committed to God. In most cases, God does not ask us to do this. We should strive to live in peace. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:7 NASB95).
As Christians living in the world but not of it, we are driven by a sense of purpose that shapes our motives, our actions, and our choices; even while facing pressure from the world to be like it. We have a distinct identity with different values, principles, and beliefs. We are able, with God’s help, to participate in daily life and even embrace SOME of the world’s culture, while maintaining a strong Spiritual foundation and resisting worldly temptation. It starts with the transforming of our mind, which leads to the ability to discern God’s will for our lives. I have explained what it means to be Biblically separated from the world in a general sense.
In next month’s devotional, I’m going to talk about the more specific command in 2 Corinthians 6 to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
