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"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. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:14,15 NIV)
A concerned neighbour had taken Caesar to the vets. His right hind leg was broken and sported a huge open wound. The wound was badly infected, which ultimately required the amputation of his leg. He came to my place to recover from his surgery and begin to build his new life as a tripod, or three-legged cat.
As a tripod, Caesar has had to find his new center of gravity. This is not always easy, especially on smooth surfaces. He has his slips and falls, and though it is still much of a balancing act, he is gradually learning to cope well in this, his new life.
Likewise, when we become Christians, we too enter into a new lifestyle. A way of life which calls us to find a new spiritual center of gravity. One which is, in many ways a balancing act, as we learn to live out the Christian life in a secular world, but not to be of this world. As Christ's chosen people we are called to discern that which is of the world and that which is of the Kingdom of God and to know how to balance the two, which for many is becoming increasingly difficult as our world becomes more secular. We are bombarded with moral and ethical changes making it much more difficult to know just how to stand our ground in regards to loving others while at the same time not loving what they do. We live in a time, that to disagree with someone, often results in their anger, as they see our difference of values to be judgmental and condemning, hateful or racist. For the most part people can no longer agree to disagree and continue to live in peace one with another.
So, what do we do? How do we as God's people keep our spiritual balance, our center of Christian gravity amidst these circumstances. Today's Scripture, gives us the answer: I have given them your word. God's word, the Bible gives us the answers that we need in this very uncertain and rather confusing state of world affairs.
The Scriptures have every truth, every bit of wisdom and guidance we need to maneuver this world as God's people. So, let's commit to not neglecting our study of it. Rather let us delve into its truth more and more each day, that the Spirit may be able to guide and direct us as to the best way to live in, but not of this world.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word, which contains all we need to be thoroughly equipped for every good work in this, our increasingly secular world. In Christ's name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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