In the world, not of the world?

There is often a sense of confusion amongst Christians as to where we are supposed to draw the line when it comes to associating with the world. There is good reason for this. The Bible commands us to be a part of the world without judging and commands us not to associate with darkness without exception. So how do we reconcile this?

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Be in the world, not of the world?" The phrase comes from one of Jesus' prayers for his disciples (John 17:6-19). It's commonly used today as instruction to Christians not to associate with the people they minister to. Here's the thing, that prayer was a prayer of protection from evil. It was not a prayer that the world be separated from believers. In fact Jesus specifically said "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15)

So here we have and issue. We are supposed to be in the world, clearly, but we are supposed to be set apart from the world. How? Thankfully, Jesus continued his prayer. "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." (John 17:17-19) The word "sanctify" literally means "set apart" or "make holy."

So, the way we are sanctified, then, is by the truth. In other words, when we live by truth, by the Word of God (the Scriptures), we set our selves apart. Now, before I continue, I want to remind you to always challenge everything I say against the scriptures. You may not agree with what I have to say about this, and that's ok.

Here is my supposition: If someone finds that something is permissible, say drinking alcohol or celebrating certain holidays, they are not to look down on, or even comment on, the behavior of someone who does not partake in these things. Likewise, someone who finds things impermissible is not to judge someone who does partake in those things.

Now, before you crucify me for teaching this, let me try to anticipate your reaction. Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." You are correct! Now consider that the language and context of this verse is not a command for how to treat other people. In fact, the only command here is that when people offer "empty words" you are not to "partner with them" because they will lead you into disobedience (vs. 6-7).

The command here is that YOU should not have anything to do with the darkness. Meaning that YOU should not do what the disobedient do and that YOU should expose YOUR OWN "fruitless deeds of darkness" (vs. 11-12).

Verses 13 and 14 explain the result of exposing our own sins to light. We wake up! The darkness has no hold on us whatsoever. In fact verse 13 says "everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated BECOMES LIGHT."

Now, here's the truth. My supposition is almost a direct quote of Romans 14:3-6. Now here is the real issue. Romans 14:16 says "Therefore do not let what you know is good to be spoken of as evil." In Acts 10:15 Jesus says to Peter, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." At the same time, we're also told that, if what we do causes someone to struggle in their walk with God, we should not do those things. In all cases, either for or against, we are told, "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God" (Romans 14:22a).

The bottom line is that I don't have an answer for if you should drink alcohol or celebrate holidays or eat certain food or anything else, really. I do, however, ask that you consider part of the story of Gideon.

So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” (Judges 6:24-26)

Discussion points:

If someone comes to your house who believes that Christmas is an evil tradition, what steps would be appropriate to take to make sure that you don't drive a wedge between them and their faith in God? What would be inappropriate?

Consider that you believe that wearing certain clothes is a sin. You choose not to wear those clothes for whatever reason. Should you or should you not share your convictions with others?

Gideon used things (the alter, the pole, and a location) made for evil to worship God. Can and should we take that example with other things? What examples can you think of?

When sharing your opinions, please remember, this is a discussion, not an argument. You are here to share your thoughts, not convince others of your standpoint. Argumentative comments will be immediately deleted. Have personal experience and/or a direct reference to Scripture to back up all of your viewpoints. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19)