IN not OF

 

Twice in the Gospels, Jesus is called the friend of sinners.  But notice that He is not called a friend WITH sinners.  There is a big difference!  And we are called, as Christians, to be IN the world, but not OF the world.  It’s sort of like the boat that has to be in the water in order to fulfill its purpose, but the water can’t be in the boat without disastrous results.  Christians are to be the light of the world.  But Christians must constantly be on guard because we are on dangerous ground - we are on enemy ground.  We must walk carefully and walk according to the orders of our Commander, Jesus Christ.  Paul said in Ephesians 5:15&16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Hey, make a difference in your world today, but be on your guard so that the world doesn’t make a difference in you.