2 Corinthians 6:1-18
As believers we live in the world and are called by God to have an impact of the world without becoming discouraged by their reactions or destroying our testimony. Sometimes we have the tendency to remain so isolated from the world that we have no impact upon it. However, we also run the risk of interacting with the world so closely that we end up being influenced by it. There is a careful balance that must be found in this relationship.
WE EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT REACTIONS IN THE WORLD: As we strive to shine the light of Christ in a dark world, we must realize that we will be met with very diverse reactions. Some people will hear the Gospel, repent from sin and love us for sharing Christ with them. Others will turn from the truth and will hate us for confronting them with it. The truth is that the second reaction is far more likely to occur. Paul experienced this reality over and over again. He was mistreated, misunderstood and suffered greatly because of it. In the midst of these difficult circumstances he never allowed them to discourage him from the task God had given him. He remained true to the Lord and His Word and was faithful to proclaim the truth no matter how others might respond to it. God is looking for this same courage and conviction in our lives today.
WE MUST REMAIN DISTINCT FROM THE WORLD: It is often very difficult to find the balance between influencing the world and being infected by it. We will only truly be able to offer help to those who are lost without Christ as we remain pure and offer an example of a viable alternative to them. We run the risk of striving to be relevant to the point that we loose our ability to offer hope because we really don't offer a contrasting alternative. We are called to relate to the world that we might be used to reveal the truths that can transform them. However, our relationships with the world must be limited. We are not to enter into compromising relationships through marriage or business that would compromise our testimony. We must be wise in our partnerships and know that we must are called to be distinct so that we can make a difference for eternity.
WE EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT REACTIONS IN THE WORLD: As we strive to shine the light of Christ in a dark world, we must realize that we will be met with very diverse reactions. Some people will hear the Gospel, repent from sin and love us for sharing Christ with them. Others will turn from the truth and will hate us for confronting them with it. The truth is that the second reaction is far more likely to occur. Paul experienced this reality over and over again. He was mistreated, misunderstood and suffered greatly because of it. In the midst of these difficult circumstances he never allowed them to discourage him from the task God had given him. He remained true to the Lord and His Word and was faithful to proclaim the truth no matter how others might respond to it. God is looking for this same courage and conviction in our lives today.
WE MUST REMAIN DISTINCT FROM THE WORLD: It is often very difficult to find the balance between influencing the world and being infected by it. We will only truly be able to offer help to those who are lost without Christ as we remain pure and offer an example of a viable alternative to them. We run the risk of striving to be relevant to the point that we loose our ability to offer hope because we really don't offer a contrasting alternative. We are called to relate to the world that we might be used to reveal the truths that can transform them. However, our relationships with the world must be limited. We are not to enter into compromising relationships through marriage or business that would compromise our testimony. We must be wise in our partnerships and know that we must are called to be distinct so that we can make a difference for eternity.
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