Being a Christian in the modern world can often feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, we have our faith and relationship with God. On the other, we live in a secular society that often runs counter to biblical values. Jesus recognized this tension when he prayed to the Father, “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” (John 17:14). So how can believers be “in” the world physically yet not “of” the world spiritually?
The key is developing an eternal perspective on life. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This world is not our home; we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). While on earth, we must render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21). We engage earthly society not as conformists, but as redeemers pointing people toward Christ.
Practically speaking, not being “of” the world means we do not adopt the world’s sinful values or pragmatism. We do not cave to social pressure that contradicts God’s word. We are not blind consumers of media or cultural narratives that undermine biblical morality and truth. We do not love material things more than God or people (1 John 2:15-17).
Being heavenly minded also affects how we interact with earthly institutions. We honor governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) unless they require us to disobey God (Acts 5:29). We fulfill our work duties as unto the Lord, not merely to impress people (Colossians 3:22-24). We engage the public square as thoughtful citizens. But we always remember our true citizenship is in heaven.
None of this implies separating entirely from the world. Jesus did not pray for the Father to take believers out of the world, only to protect us from the evil one (John 17:15). He sends us out into the world to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). We must balance immersing in culture while avoiding assimilation to ungodly values and lifestyles.
This is a challenging balance. The apostle John warned against loving the world (1 John 2:15-17) yet living in radical isolation is disobedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Thankfully, God gives us wisdom through his Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the body of Christ, and constant prayer. As we walk closely with him, he enables us to be engaged but untainted ambassadors for Christ in an unbelieving world.
Set Your Mind on Things Above
A mind fixed on eternity is key to not being entangled in the world’s system. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Our thought patterns, assumptions, and imaginations should revolve around God’s kingdom, not earthly pleasures or priorities.
We renew our minds by filling them with God’s truth through Bible reading, Scripture memory, sound teaching, and spiritual conversations (Romans 12:2). We take every thought captive to Christ, rejecting worldly specsulatiogn 2 Corinthians 10:5). Focusing on praiseworthy things pulls our affections heavenward (Philippians 4:8).
Setting our minds on the above inoculates us from worldly thinking. We will still be tempted and must guard our minds vigilantly. But focusing on eternity gives earthly troubles their proper perspective. Paul said our momentary afflictions are achieving for us an eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). An eternal mindset is key to not getting stuck in the world’s ways.
Reject Worldly Passions and Pleasures
Many worldly temptations appeal to physical or emotional desires. John warned not to love the world or anything in it, adding “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” is not from the Father but the world (1 John 2:16). Being heavenly minded helps us reject worldly passions.
Consider lust of the flesh. Our society is increasingly indulgent regarding sensuality, food, chemical substances, material comforts, and thrill-seeking adventures. While not all physical pleasures are evil, many promising satisfaction apart from God lead to destruction when pursued in selfish excess (Proverbs 21:17; Luke 12:19). We must crucify fleshly cravings that defile the temple of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Lust of the eyes encompasses greed, envy, and coveting the possessions, relationships, or lifestyles of others. A mind fixed on eternity sees through the false promise that acquiring more stuff brings happiness. We live simply, generously, and contentedly when kingdom priorities govern our desires (Matthew 6:19-21; Philippians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:5).
Finally, pride of life refers to living for human praise versus God’s glory. This might include competitive ambition, narcissism, or obsession with reputation or achievements the world applauds. But only what is done for Christ will last (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). We flee pride by remembering everything good in us is by God’s grace alone (1 Corinthians 4:7).
These worldly passions promise fulfillment but lead only to spiritual emptiness and destruction. By clinging to eternal promises, we can reject temporary pleasures that obscure the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8).
Avoid Worldly Partnerships and Entanglements
Scripture warns believers about partnering or participating in worldly systems in ways that defile our consciences or compromise righteous witness. James 4:4 declares friendship with the world as hostility toward God. Paul asks what partnership light can have with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14).
This principle applies broadly. We avoid business partnerships with dishonest individuals that would force unethical compromises (Psalms 26:4-5; Proverbs 20:6). We refrain from romantic entanglements with unbelievers which can skew spiritual priorities (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). We are cautious about organizational affiliations that could restrict our ability to fully obey Christ.
In civic and cultural engagements, we retain freedom to speak truth. We join political parties, social causes, or organizations thoughtfully, not assuming their entire agenda aligns with God’s kingdom. Our highest commitment is living as faithful ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Being in but not of the world does not mean complete withdrawal from society. But it does require vigilance against compromises with darkness. As foreigners on earth, we remember collaborated with worldly systems risks clouding our witness or soiling our consciences.
Develop Discernment Through God’s Word
Growing in biblical discernment is essential for distinguishing godly wisdom from worldly thinking. Regular Scripture reading renews our minds to God’s perspective (Romans 12:2). Biblical literacy protects against deception and equips us with truth when navigating complicated issues.
The Bereans modeled mature discernment by examining even Paul’s teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11-12). We must test all teaching, including popular books, sermons, slogans and social media influencers, against the standard of God’s Word.
Asking questions like “What does the Bible say about work, wealth, sexuality, life, death, human nature, truth?” guards against uncritically absorbing worldly assumptions. Comparing advice and ideas against Scripture protects us from being swayed by nonbiblical paradigms.
Studying Scripture also equips us to discern redemptive opportunities amid broken culture. Paul quoted pagan poets to highlight partial truths they recognized (Acts 17:28). Biblical wisdom helps us filter truth from error even in secular contexts.
Cultivate Undivided Loyalty to Christ
Wholehearted commitment to Christ is required to avoid being ensnared by the world. Jesus declared no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). James called friendship with the world spiritual adultery (James 4:4). Both exhort undivided loyalty to God.
This means our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus alone. No other identity, ideology, occupation, relationship, or possession rivals Him for life’s highest priority. Following Jesus outweighs every earthly comfort, opportunity, or threat.
This singleness of purpose empowers endurance when faithfulness to Christ requires rejecting worldly ways or norms. Undivided loyalty led Daniel to defy the king’s edict to preserve purity before God (Daniel 1:8). It enabled Joseph to resist temptation because it would be sin against God (Genesis 39:9). Do we cling to Christ with similar tenacity?
Cultivating intimate fellowship with Jesus fuels our capacity to live as pilgrims on earth. As we delight in His presence, the world’s ability to dazzle us fades. Out of love for Him, we shed any weights slowing our pilgrim journey.
Commit to a Community on the Same Mission
Attempting to live as sojourners in isolation is nearly impossible. God designed believers to walk together in mutual encouragement as a witnessing community set apart for Himself.
In Acts 2:42-47, first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” They cared for each others’ needs, lived with glad and generous hearts, and enjoyed favor with outsiders.
Likewise today, we need fellow kingdom-seekers to sharpen and strengthen us. In biblical community, we find empathy when pursuing holiness challenges earthly relationships or norms. Accountability from fellow sojourners helps us make wise application of Scripture to complex modern dilemmas.
Some specific ways community aids our pilgrim journey include prayer together for courage and discernment, candid preaching of God’s Word to one another, sharing earthly possessions to meet needs, and spurring each other to godliness through fellowship and service.
No true believer walks the narrow road alone. Our faithful God places us in communities of fellow travelers headed to our eternal home. Together we encourage each other forward, neither lingering in nor turning back toward the world left behind.
Maintain Habits That Turn Eyes Heavenward
Certain spiritual disciplines orient our minds toward eternity amid earthly distractions. Just as an airline pilot continually adjusts equipment to stay on course, we must regularly recalibrate our souls’ direction.
Daily Scripture reading recenters our thinking on God’s truth versus worldly messages. Prayer acknowledges our dependence on heavenly grace for earthly trials. Worship lifts our gaze to divine majesty beyond mundane concerns. Generous giving loosens worldly grip on our resources.
Fasting exercises self-denial of physical appetites. Solitude silences competing voices so we can hear the Shepherd’s clearly. Simple living curbs materialism. Observing Sabbath rest affirms God’s sovereignty over schedules, priorities and human efforts.
These habits train our hearts to feel most at home in Christ’s presence. Through them, the Spirit transforms earth-dwellers into pilgrims longing for heaven. Even amid earthly demands, we regularly touch eternity through disciplines proving the world does not own us.
Embrace Suffering As Purposeful Identification with Christ
Since Jesus declared believers are not of this world, we share His rejection and suffering at the world’s hands (John 15:18-21). But persecution and hardship for Christ’s sake advances God’s kingdom.
Scripture encourages us to rejoice when we suffer for righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). Peter called unjust suffering blessing because it identifies us with Jesus (1 Peter 3:14). Paul rejoiced in trials for Christ’s sake that filled up what was lacking in his afflictions, making him like his Savior (Colossians 1:24).
This perspective empowers patience and perseverance when the world reviles us. Rather than being surprised by opposition, we can expect and even embrace it as part of God’s purpose to shape Christlike character in us.
Most importantly, identification with Christ in unjust suffering gives us an eternal weight of glory surpassing earthly troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17). Our citizenship is in heaven, so we courageously bear reproach as we follow our King through this foreign land.
Model Jesus’ Example as an Earthly Sojourner
Jesus as Son of God was not of this world, yet He temporarily dwelled here on an all-important mission. His example shows believers how to live as pilgrims during our brief earthly sojourn.
Though possessing heavenly glory with the Father, Jesus took the form of a servant and humbled Himself to meet sinners’ need (Philippians 2:6-8). Though deserving honor, He suffered rejection to accomplish salvation. His love looked beyond the cross to the joy before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
Jesus cared more about people’s eternal wellbeing than their immediate comfort or happiness. His teachings confronted popular assumptions but provided words of eternal life (John 6:68-69). He walked in perfect love yet boldly confronted religious hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Our Savior modeled wise, compassionate engagement with broken culture without compromising truth. His example teaches us to live as servants guided by eternal priorities. By following in His steps, we avoid conformity to the world (Romans 12:1-2).
Rely on the Spirit’s Power for Supernatural Perspective
Living as strangers on earth relies fully on the Spirit’s empowerment. Human wisdom is insufficient to overcome worldly pulls. But the Spirit opens our eyes to see life from heaven’s perspective.
Through the Spirit, God pours love into our hearts so worldly affections dim in comparison (Romans 5:5). He reminds us our citizenship is in heaven as a curb to earthly attachments (Philippians 3:20). The Spirit assures us of future hope, producing patient endurance amid trial (Romans 8:23-25).
The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, equipping discernment that protects us from worldly deception (John 16:13). He produces spiritual fruit of righteousness, imprinting Christ’s character in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Our supernatural Helper testifies to us about Jesus, anchoring us in eternal truths.
Reliance on the indwelling Spirit is essential and irreplaceable. Without His power, we easily absorb worldly mindsets. But submitting continually to His influence sustains us as pilgrims journeying ever closer to our heavenly home.
Conclusion
Living in this temporary world while clinging to the eternal kingdom requires constant reliance on God’s grace. By setting our minds on heavenly realities, rejecting worldly lusts, avoiding spiritual compromise, cultivating undivided loyalty to Christ, and relying on the Spirit’s empowerment, believers shine as lights in the darkness during our brief earthly sojourn. Though challenging at times, walking closely with our Shepherd ensures we will complete our journey and be welcomed into our true home.
