25^th February2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: IN, BUT NOT OF

THEME SCRIPTURE: "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [...] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." (John 17:14-18 NIV)  

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. How is the Christian supposed to live in this world and not be of it?

According to Charles Spurgeon, "The Christian life is not an escape from the world but an engagement with it. Isolation may feel safer, but Jesus sends us into the messiness of life to reflect His light. Holiness isn’t hiding; it’s shining." This is absolutely deep and also true. And this brings Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17 to mind.

See, according to our theme scripture, Jesus’ prayer reveals our dual identity: "set apart yet sent in".

Like Him, we’re called to walk the tension of being deeply rooted in God’s truth while compassionately dwelling among those who don’t yet know Him. The world’s values—greed, pride, self-sufficiency—will press against us, but our anchor is Christ’s Word (John 17:17).

Our mission isn’t to blend in but to interrupt the darkness with grace, integrity, and love.

Yeah, but how are we going to do this:

First, we will need to pray. We must start our day by asking, “Father, guard my heart. Help me see my workplace, neighborhood, or social circles as my mission field—not my master.” 

Secondly, we will need to engage intentionally. In conversations, let's listen more than we speak.

Ask God for wisdom to discern when to affirm truth and when to challenge lies (e.g., rejecting gossip, resisting shortcuts in business, offering hope instead of cynicism).  

Lastly, we will need to reset routinely: Thus, we will need to end our day with 5 minutes of reflection. Where did I compromise? Where did I courageously reflect Christ? We will then repent where needed, and celebrate God’s faithfulness.  

Precious one, the world doesn’t need more critics or clones—it needs contrast. Today, dare to live as a glimpse of the Kingdom. You are sent, shielded, and sustained by the One who overcame the world. Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: John 17-18

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Are you shining in your corner or have you blended in?

2. Is the world seeing Christ in you, or does the world see itself in you?

PRAYER

Lord, You’ve placed me here, in this time and place, not by accident but by divine assignment. Forgive me when I’ve sought comfort over courage. Sanctify me by Your truth. Let my life be a quiet revolution of love, pointing others to the freedom of living “in, but not of” this world, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Luke 11; Leviticus 14; Psalm 56