IN THE REAL WORLD

IN THE REAL WORLD!

John 17:15-18

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

“Religion” is designed for the real world, not the church house! The building we commonly call the church is not the church; it is the place where the church meets for worship. The people comprise the church and day by day the church is scattered like salt all over the real world. As salt the church adds flavor and is a preserving agent.

Lately there is much talk about whether the church is relevant. The discussion, which often sounds like an argument, is never between the church and the world but rather between the church and the church. The idea is that if the church can be a bit more like the world then the world will be more comfortable in the church. The argument is flawed! The world will never be fully comfortable within the houses of worship we call churches.

The real relevance issue is whether the church will function in the real world. Will the church still be able to be the church where greed, seduction and pragmatism rule? That’s the real question! The issue is not whether the world will feel comfortable singing our songs but whether the church will be able to maintain her integrity in an ungodly world. Can she be honest in a world of deceit? Can she serve others in a world of selfishness?

It is just for these very issues that Jesus prayed in John seventeen. He did not pray that we be taken out of the world for it is within the world we get our feet dirty in service. Even Peter did not fully understand that concept! Jesus also prays that the church will be kept from “the evil.” The Greek “poneros” indicates influence or that which causes degeneration. Jesus prayed that His church maintain her purity and wholeness within the evil world.

If you work in a highly competitive job you will be tempted to leave your religion at church while you grasp for success. You will be tempted to use others as disposable assets on your road to personal accomplishment. You will be tempted to bend ethical and moral principles. After a week in the world you will need a “washing of water by the Word” at church.

John 17:17

17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

AMPLIFIED

Dear Lord, today your people take a break from living and working in the world. Please keep us pure in heart and actions in the coming week until we can gather once again in your house with the redeemed. AMEN