Words to live by this Wednesday ~ John 17:14-16

John 17:14-16

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.

 

For as long as I can remember, I've been told and used the truth that says we are only in this world, not of it.  I came across not one, but two blogs recently that said the same thing.  It inspired me to write about that today. 

 

I really don't know what I'm going to write about, but not a day goes by that I don't think about the statement above.  There is so much going on in this world....I don't think I have to tell you or even get into it.  Why is everything so hard?  Why is it so hard to be a Christian in this world?  Why does the media make Christians out to be holy rollin maniacs with no life and no education?  No wonder it's so easy to stray from God and your faith.  (for the record, my solution: turn off tv) 

 

I am currently taking a class at the church we've been visiting.  It's a membership class.  We are joining this church.  I am learning so much about the changing of the church since breaking from the Catholic church.  Wow.  My one request to John Taylor was to simply to go a church that believed, taught and preached the BIBLE.  THE Word of God.  Isn't that what we're supposed to go by?  I mean, the truth, the way, the life.  I am simply amazed at how the church has strayed from the Word.  I'm talking about churches, people.  Not cults, not Scientology temples.....but church.  They are not teaching (or believing) the word.  I'm so excited about the church we're joining and plan to write more about it in another post.  I was so excited to learn at the class that everything was in line with how I felt and what I believed and what I believe is the Bible.  That feels so good. 

 

I did not mean to get into that, but it was necessary to make my point that the enemy is out there, real and taking over. 

 

Thankfully, we can teach our children that we are only in this world and not of it.  That this life time is our life time on earth, but it's not the most important.  And, that during this life time we need to focus on the our Lord and Savior and have a God centered life.  That is my goal.  Not to parent on "fear based parenting" or "perfection based parenting", but demonstrate God's love for my children.  I want them to know they can come to Christ, fully, and accept complete unconditional love and acceptance.  Not for what clothes they wear, or what songs they listen to, or where they go to school.  Isnt' that the world's way? 

 

Dissecting the verse.....

 

....but to keep them safe from the evil one......

 

Isn't that our duty as a parent?  I believe if the Bible says so, then yes, it is.