In, not of

Posted on March 10, 2008
Filed Under Church, Jesus, little "c" church, paradigms |

Much of our world is institutionalized. You know how Jesus said to be in the world but not of it? I really believe that means we’re supposed to disengage from systems and institutions as much as possible - institutions are the foundation of the systems of this world. The medical system, the school system, the legal system, the government, corporations…. I’ve noticed that it is possible to actually be of the world but not in it. This happens when I fully participate in all the systems of this world and even create some of my own “separate” systems to mimic them. But I am really only separating myself from the people of this world, segregating myself so that I am only with those who believe like I do.

Some examples of this voluntary segregation:”Christian” businesses. “Christian” music. “Christian” myspace. “Christian” nightclubs. “Christian” schools. I’m surprised we don’t have Christian grocery stores, gas stations, fitness clubs (actually I think there are some of these located in church gyms), banks, doctors (oh wait, I’ve heard of these), and veterinarians.

And if I only do all the “Christian”-version of things, I make the mistake of thinking that I am holy and not of the world. But really, I’m just not in the world, but I am most probably of the world and its systems. That’s backwards. And it is totally messed up, especially when you start comparing the things we do as believers, such little c church, to the governments and systems of this world. When you start seeing the parallels, it gets a bit scary.

I had to stop and think about that. Is that what Jesus would ask of Father for us? Is that what he meant when he prayed for us in the prayer that is recorded in John 17? To disengage from people, but mimic the systems of the world? I just can’t go with that scenario. It must be the other way: to look with spiritual eyes to see the ways in which we are entrenched in the institutions and systems, the things of this world, and disconnect as much as we can from them, and to look with Jesus’ eyes to see people all around us and connect with them. In the world, letting our light shine, being peculiar like Jesus is.

Comments

6 Responses to “In, not of”

Chris on March 11th, 2008 1:13 pm

So I’m wondering since it was a little unclear when I read this - do you think we *should* be part of Christian academies (schools), godtube, christian bookstores, christian music, etc.?

Just had a bit of discussion on this topic last night in our small group followed by a bit of discussion between my wife and I about this and our kids in public/private (Christian) schools.

I might post something about this..
tina on March 11th, 2008 1:17 pm

Hey Chris,

Thanks for your comment. I was wondering. I thought perhaps this post wasn’t as clear as it could be.

I don’t think we should create and be a part of these segregated “Christian” versions of everything. I think we should be in the world.
in the world, not of the world « Awaken Me on March 11th, 2008 1:35 pm

[...] a bit last night was this - our kids and public versus private schools. Then I went and read this from Tina… which got me thinking more. There is a very clear view out there in Christianity that the [...]
Chris on March 11th, 2008 1:35 pm

Ah so I kinda sorta agree with you then

Check out my half-response, half-question to others on this topic:

http://ccjjharmon.wordpress.com/2008/03/11/in-the-world-not-of-the-world/
David on March 18th, 2008 5:18 am

Maybe I’m getting too simplplistic in my older age. I’ve really started saying things like, I’m a writer first, who is a Christian. I’m an actor, who has a Christian world-view and value system. I’m an artist, father, teacher, husband, thinker, speaker, parent, patriot who is dictated by a Christ-filled heart. I stive to be the best of all those roles…first rate…professional….the best….. With no apologies about who my spiritual destiny and hope is counting on. The Lion of Judah needs not defense. He will take on any critic…all He needs is to be allow to be freed from His cage.
David on March 18th, 2008 5:25 am

My coming book The Ghost of Whithall Hill I am not advertizing as Christian fiction, though there is a strong message of forgiveness and salvation in it. I don’t want it to only be in Christian book stores. I want it in Barnes and Nobles and WalMart. That is my goal in the second book on Frontier Romance where the woman is a strong woman who happens to be a believer who experiencs incredible persecution and loss. Anybody can “preach”…not everybody can tell a good interesting story.