In the World, but Not of the World

At Youth Impact Service

On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus prays to his Father in John 17:14–19,

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. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Let me illustrate what this means.

Let's say you put water and oil into a bottle. Do the water and oil mix? They are both in the bottle and yet, they are separated. Now when we shake the bottle vigorously, you will find the water and the oil seems to mix. But once you let the bottle stand for a while, the two liquid separates again.

That is what it's like for us. The bottle is like the world we live in. Both oil and water, is in the bottle just like both believers and unbelievers are in the world. Yet, the bible says we are not of the world even though we are in it.

How are we NOT of the world?

1. The Wisdom of the World
2. The Values of the World

I want to briefly touch on the Wisdom of the World and turn my focus to the Values of the World which I think is something most of you will find challenging.

The Wisdom of the World

1 Corinthians 1:25

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

There is nothing wrong with acquiring knowledge. That's why you go to school, then to college and finally a university. But knowledge and wisdom are different. The wisdom of the world is based on the knowledge they acquired and it is temporal in nature. But the wisdom that comes from God has eternal significance.

The building of the Tower of Babel seemed like a good idea.

Gen 11:4 “Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Where does such wisdom come from? It's an earthly wisdom driven by the ambition of man to make a name for themselves. You know why the Petronas Twin Tower was built? So Malaysia can boast to have the tallest building in the world…once. I wonder why it looks like an "M"? Maybe it symbolises Malaysia. ;)

So any knowledge that contradicts the Word of God is of this world. Like the Theory of Evolution. It's a theory but the world will have you believe that you came from a monkey as truth. So as children of God, we need to know and discern that the wisdom of this world cannot lead us to life eternal because it's of temporal value.

The scientists can tell you exactly what a blade of grass is made of. But they'll never be able to explain to you how it's living and it grow. The wisdom of this world is still discovering the wonders of creation which we term as intelligent design. Things didn't just fall into place over millions of years to exists in an order that we see around us today.

The Values of the World

The world system is committed to at least four major objectives, which I can summarize in four words: fortune, fame, power, pleasure.

First is Fortune, money. The world system is driven by money; it feeds on materialism.

Second: Fame. That is another word for popularity. Fame is the longing to be known, to be somebody in someone else's eyes.

Third: Power. This is having influence, maintaining control over individuals or groups or companies or whatever. It is the desire to manipulate and manoeuvre others to do something for one's own benefit.

Fourth: Pleasure. At its basic level, pleasure has to do with fulfilling one's desires. It's the same mindset that's behind the slogan: "If it feels good, do it." 

I want to focus on only two because Fame and Power usually only sets in when you get older, like me :)

Let's talk MONEY. The Big M.

There is nothing wrong with money on its own. It's the love of money that is the problem. We allow money to influence our decisions, often compromising our integrity for gain.

But I want to look at just one particular area about money for you guys. When you go for an interview. Salary becomes a criteria but I want to stress that salary should never be the main reason for making a decision.

After you graduate, do not delay getting into employment because you are looking for that perfect job that pays well. Interviewers get uncomfortable if the candidate have not found a job too long after graduating. Either you are not good enough or you are choosy. Either way it works against you.

More important is the culture of the company, the opportunities for growth and the job description that fits your ambition. The money should never be your main concern. If you are good, you will be promoted and rewarded.

There are too many who hop between jobs to get increased salary. They don't stay long enough to learn what's needed. Give at least 2 to 3 years wherever you are before considering a move. It is better for your resume and for your learning.

The second thing I want to look at is PLEASURE.

We live in a world where self gratification is paramount. We do what feels nice, looks good and seems popular. The bible says we are children of the light and what has light to do with darkness.

Please let me qualify what I mean. I am not saying we are good people and the non Christians are bad people. We are just a redeemed people, forgiven and is being sanctified because God's spirit works within us to change us from inside out. I know a lot of non Christians who good people, but we know our good is never enough before a holy God.

It does not mean we shy away from non Christians. We can have friendship but not fellowship. When we walk our life pleasing to God, we will be seen differently because we abstain from some things that your friends may engage in.

It does not mean it is right because everyone is doing it. That is how we are different. But that does not mean we judge what they do. They are just blind to truths that you and I see.

It was not easy to be a Christian and be in business. Especially the advertising industry. When I started, I had a lot of jeans client. Do you know all the best jeans are made in Penang? Levi's, Wrangler, Lois, Lee Cooper, Texan etc

Nowadays you have UNIQLO and H&M. So I used to spend a lot of time with the jeans maker bosses. These people in apparels are streetwise people. I'm surprised how I survived back then. God is merciful.

In meetings, there would be like 6 to 8 people in the room and I'm the only non smoker, but I get smoked. And when they meet after work to discuss business always must have alcohol.

Once, they had a big Company Dinner at Shangri-La and me and auntie Melinda was seated at the VIP table. Then they had some games on stage and there were three tables with cloth covering something that looked like a small pyramid.

My name together with two other guests were called to participate and when they removed the cloth, I almost fainted. It was stacks of canned beer and we were supposed to drink all of it as fast as possible. The boss quickly asked one of the staff who knows I don't drink to step up and volunteer to take my place and he won! When you make your stand, God grants you favour. I became good friends with them but I did not fellowship with them. And they know why.

I also made sales trip with them outstation so that I could understand their business. And one time 5 of them in a car and went to a pub and each of them were accompanied by pretty hostess there. I was left in the hotel lobby with a cold drink. But each of them took turns to accompany me at the hotel lobby because they know I won't go in. I shared Christ with them while I chat with them because they wanted to know why I wouldn’t join them. Because of business and fear that I'll offend my clients, I could have joined them but I chose not to. We always have a choice so when you are caught in a situation like this, remember what I said today. Choose wisely.

In the world but not of the world. When we grow up, leave home and go into the world, we need to know what we're up against. Different values. Different ideologies. Different activities.

We need to be their friends but set apart. We build bridges yet there are boundaries. You'll be surprised how God can use you out there in the marketplace when we are not ashamed to call ourselves Christians and walk the talk.

Live your life in such a way that those who don't believe can see that there is something you have that is good and wonderful—something different, something they'll be curious about, something they'll want for themselves, too.

When your friends go through a bad patch or crisis, often they turn to you because you have something they don't. Be the salt and light of the world, in it, but apart from it because we know our destination is not this earth, we are just passing by, so make your time here count for God.