Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 17:16, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
Background
Our society seems to have turned making comparisons into a national pastime. The moment someone stands out in the crowd, someone else feels compelled to compare them to the last great whatever, as if our appreciation for their skill and accomplishments suffers from a lack of historical context. It’s not good enough to be good, that person needs to be as good, similar to, or better than someone who came before. But I imagine this need to analogize is not anything new. Newspapers from generations before probably spent countless columns comparing the newest political thinker to Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln. And many have probably come along and been labeled the best thing since Plato or Shakespeare or Euclid or Newton. And maybe that’s some of the appeal of the old WWJD bracelets. Those letters reminded the wearer to consider “what would Jesus do?” And in doing so, one would compare his potential actions to how he thought Jesus would respond, and then be motivated to do likewise. And although comparing ourselves to Jesus might seem like haughtiness bordering on blasphemy, it is based on the very words of our Savior Himself. But if that comparison is going to be made, and accepted, then it brings with it an awesome responsibility.
Application
For Jesus said we are like Him in that we are not of this world. And so, wherever your hands and heart have a grip on this present age, your comparison breaks apart. Wherever your passion stokes for the temporal, you’re not going to find Jesus there. To be like our Lord, we cannot be of the world. It sounds so simple, and we hear it in some form almost every Sunday (unless the world keeps you away from His church), but it does not come easily.
The lure and enticements away from our Beloved are strong, yet subtle, and so quick to be justified. But if He compared Himself to us, then it’s a calling worth fulfilling. So let go of that other stuff, and get your heart back so you can give it fully and freely to your King.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let the reality of what Jesus would do take priority in your decisions.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
