Listen

“Now I’m coming to you and I say these things while I’m in the world so that they can share completely in my joy. I gave your word to them and the world hated them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world.”

John 17:13-16

Think

It is difficult these days to follow Christ and be a part of this world, to carry his word to others. Sometimes I feel as if I don’t belong here; we read in yesterday’s passage that we belong to God. There is a struggle here, being in God’s family and living in this world. How do we balance the two?

Paul’s letters give guidance to Christians living in the world. In Ephesians 5, we read: “Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us … Now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light. Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice and truth.” In 1 Corinthians 3, we read: “All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I can be a partner with it.”

Paul and Jesus both lived in this world, yet knew their mission was for the sake of the gospel, to be love and light. Who in your world needs love and light?

Kimberly McLeod

Pray

God, sometimes it is hard to live in this world and honor you at the same time. Help me carry your word to those in my life and be a light in a dark place. I want to partner with your gospel and be fruitful to those who need you. Amen.

Go

Look for God revealing the truths of the word to you, in your day-to-day life, in your friends, in your family.

Ask the Spirit to open your eyes to the power of the word.

Spend time in Scripture seeking to receive, understand, and believe the word.