I’m happy to hear you’ve been reading the Word
And spending time to study and learn
I’m glad for all the hours you have spent on your knees
Instead of wondering just which way you should turn
You tell me meditation is what the world needs
I reckon what you’re saying is true
I was glad when I heard you’re getting into the word
But is word getting into you?

Lyrics to “Into the Word” by the Gaither Vocal Band, from their CD, “Passing the Faith Along”

The Bible tells us that believers are to live in the world, without being of the world. This is such a vital concept for us to understand. We live in the world; we work in the world; we have relationships with individuals in the world; we conduct business in the world; everything we do is done in the world,

But, even though we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. We are to be distinctly different. Our lives should bear testimony to the fact that we are children of God. We should take the admonition to be like Jesus seriously.

Not to be overly critical, but it seems to me that many who profess to have a relationship with Jesus Christ are much too friendly with the world. Cultural and societal pressures seem to be pressing many into the mold of worldly thinking, worldly acting, and worldly behavior. Instead of turning to the Bible for guidance and direction, many turn to the ways of the world in their decision-making processes.

It appears that many have succumbed to the temptation to walk in step with the world rather than in step with the Word of God. We can readily recognize what may be referred to as the “big” aberrations: adultery, divorce, homosexuality, abortion, etc. But sometimes we fail to recognize the seriousness of ALL sinful activities and actions that are not in alignment with the Word of God. Our attitudes and actions should be consistent with the instructions given in the Bible, and yet many seem to get their instructions from worldly advice and advisors.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of several issues – cultural and societal practices of His day – which powerfully illustrate this point. He spoke of murder, adultery, divorce, taking oaths, seeking retaliation, proper ways of displaying our love, and the right spirit in doing charitable deeds. He compared and contrasted the teachings of the Old Testament with how those teachings were understood in His day. And what He said about each would have been revolutionary to the people who heard, and read, what He said.

In essence He was saying clearly that their way of thinking about these issues was completely wrong. They were embracing worldly thinking rather than Biblical thinking. Jesus said that it is not only the outward action, but the inner attitude, that determined the sincerity of a person’s faith relationship with God. He said that we should not only not commit murder, but that our inner attitude should be that we never hate another with the desire to kill them. We should not only not commit adultery, but we should not look with lustful thoughts on another person.

Jesus’ teaching went further and deeper than the teachings of the religious leaders of His day. They focused on outward action, but Jesus went straight to the heart. Our behavior should be based on the teachings of the Bible, not only in outward displays of righteousness, but with outward actions that are determined by inner commitment. The Pharisees displayed outward righteousness, and Jesus blasted them for their hypocrisy. He also admonished all who would follow Him to live life with the right actions that are based on the right attitudes which are developed by walking in step with the guiding principles of Scripture.

We all need to be in step with Him when we are faced with decisions that are culturally and societally in opposition to the clear teachings of the Bible. Let’s strive to be in the world, shining the light of His love to the world, but never darkened by the world.

Remember: If theBible says it, that settles it. Period!

Until next time:

Blessings!