As Christians, we are called to live in this world but not be of this world. This is a concept that can be confusing, but it is at the core of what it means to follow Jesus. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible teaches about Christians not being of this world.
We Are Citizens of Heaven
The Bible tells us that as believers in Christ, our true citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Although we physically live on earth, spiritually we are citizens of God’s kingdom. We await the return of our Savior who will take us to our eternal home in heaven.
This means that we are called to live by the values of heaven rather than the values of the world around us. In Colossians 3:2, Paul urges us: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Our focus and mindset should be shaped by God’s truth, not earthly thinking.
We Are Ambassadors for Christ
Since our allegiance is to God’s kingdom, we are ambassadors for Christ on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” As ambassadors, we represent the interests of heaven, not the interests of the world.
This means we strive to live in a way that honors Christ and makes His message attractive to others. Our mission is to be salt and light in this world (Matthew 5:13-16) and spread the good news of reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus.
We Must Not Love the World
Although we live in the world, we must be careful not to become enamored by it. 1 John 2:15 warns us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” James 4:4 is also clear: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Loving the world means buying into its sinful values and pursuing worldly pleasures, possessions, and priorities over God. Instead, we are called to love and serve God above all else. Our hearts must be set on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).
We Are In the World, But Not of It
Jesus made it clear that as His followers, we are in the world but not of the world. In John 17:14-16 He prayed to the Father: “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
Although we must live in this fallen world, we do not conform to its patterns or buy into its priorities. We follow the teachings of Scripture rather than the trends of culture. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be in the world without being polluted and influenced by its values.
We Are Called to Be Separate and Holy
As people set apart for God’s purposes, we are called to be holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 tells us: “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” We are to be righteous, set apart, and distinct from the sinfulness around us.
2 Corinthians 6:17 puts it this way: “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” Although we must interact with unbelievers, we are to avoid partnership or fellowship with lawlessness that would taint our testimony (2 Corinthians 6:14).
We Should Not Be Conformed to the World
The apostle Paul tells us not to be conformed to the patterns and behaviors of this world. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are transformed by Christ and seek to align our lives with His will rather than the social norms around us. This commitment to living distinctly applies to moral issues, entertainment choices, how we handle money, our speech, and overall lifestyles.
The World Will Hate Us
In His farewell discourse, Jesus prepared His disciples for the reality that the world will hate them because they do not belong to it. John 15:18-19 says: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Because we follow Jesus and hold to moral convictions that go against the grain, we should expect unfair treatment and hostility from unbelievers. But this backlash ultimately proves we are living as authentic ambassadors for Christ.
We Are Not to Be Polluted by the World
Although we must engage the lost around us, we must be on guard against being polluted and tainted by the sinful values of the world. James 1:27 tells us: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
As those set apart for God’s purposes, we must actively resist adopting worldly attitudes and indulging in sin. We are called to moral purity in our thoughts, speech, and conduct. We must stay attuned to God’s truth rather than society’s lies.
We Are Not Promised an Easy Life
Since we do not belong to this world and its priorities, we are promised hardship and persecution rather than comfort and ease. John 16:33 gives us this sobering reminder from Jesus: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” And 2 Timothy 3:12 warns, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Following Christ requires taking up our cross and suffering for His namesake. But He promises to walk with us through trials and ultimately deliver us into His heavenly kingdom.
We Look Forward to Our Eternal Home
As citizens of heaven, our true hope is in the world to come. Hebrews 13:14 declares: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” And Philippians 3:20 reminds us: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
No earthly pleasure or possession can compare to what awaits us in eternity. Colossians 3:2 urges us: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Our perspective should be shaped by the glorious future promised to us in Christ.
We Are Called to Be Faithful Stewards
Although our stay on earth is temporary, we are responsible to serve God faithfully during our time here. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” And Jesus’ parable of the talents makes it clear we will give account for how we used what God gave us (Matthew 25:14-30).
Rather than escaping earthly duties, we are called to make the most of opportunities here to serve others, be a witness for Christ, and bring Him glory in all things – while keeping an eternal perspective.
We Must Die to Self
Since the world is hostile to the things of God, following Jesus requires dying to our own earthly desires and agendas. Luke 9:23 declares, “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'” And Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
We must choose obedience to Christ over pleasing ourselves. We surrender our will and embrace His purposes for our lives each day, whatever the cost. This self-denial is a key part of taking up our cross.
We Cannot Serve Two Masters
It is impossible to live with a foot in two different worlds. Matthew 6:24 makes this clear: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” If we try to straddle the fence between pleasing God and pleasing people, we will end up compromising our allegiance to Christ.
Joshua’s bold charge to ancient Israel is relevant for us today: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). We each must decide who we will live for – self or Christ.
Our Reward Is in Heaven
As citizens of God’s kingdom, our reward is not earthly ease and prosperity but treasures laid up for us in heaven. Jesus told His disciples: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…” (Matthew 5:12). And Hebrews 11 highlights men and women of faith who persevered and sacrificed because “they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one” (verse 16).
Keeping an eternal mindset enables us to endure hardship and persecution in this life, knowing that in Christ we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven…” (1 Peter 1:4). Our hope is rooted in eternity.
We Are in a Spiritual Battle
Because the world system is under Satan’s influence, refusing to conform to it means we will face spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
But we have God’s armor to protect us (Ephesians 6:10-18). We must stay alert and resist the devil, knowing that God has already won the ultimate victory through Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Key Takeaways
Although Christians must live in this fallen world, we are called to be distinct and set apart from its sinful values and priorities. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we serve as ambassadors for Christ. We must be on guard against loving or conforming to the world. Because we belong to God’s kingdom, we can expect hardship and persecution but also a glorious eternal reward. By God’s grace, we can stay faithful to Him amid spiritual warfare. Our hope is in the world to come, where we will dwell with Him forever.