In it, not of it

John 17:15-18

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Over the past few weeks, I've been wrestling with what it means to be in this world but not of this world, wrestling to find balance between the two.

This wrestling's covered multiple sectors in my life, from the simplest things like what media I participate in to larger decisions like what I'm going to do after graduation.  Over the past few weeks, I've had time to sit and engage in television and music at a depth that I haven't been able to for some time.  I checked into some secular shows and songs that have been popular among my peers and, quite frankly, I didn't like what it did to me.  I didn't like the way that these things consumed my mind or the thoughts that they conjured up.  Yet having knowledge of these shows and songs allowed me to relate with friends and acquaintances.  Does that make it worth it?  Eh, in this case, probably not.

As I examined post-undergrad options, my stomach turned a bit looking at a few secular options.  I shuttered as I looked at one option that had the potential to leave me isolated from a Christian community.  I wrestled with the reality of how easily I'd become sucked into the Christian bubble of my small university, was sadded by the realization that I no longer have intentional relationships with non-Christian friends.  I've wrestled with the pros and cons of taking my next step in a secular v Christian setting.  Though I'm far from fully understanding all of this, here's what I've come up with so far:

-It's important to surround myself with believers who are like minded.  I'm asking for trouble if I isolate myself from people who will encourage me with God's love, truth, and justice.  God created us to be in community with those who will sharpen us (Proverbs 27: 17).

-On the flip side, it's dangerous for me to try to push the world out of my life.  What right do I have to ignore people who haven't been exposed to the gospel, to hoard the good news for myself?  Haven't we as Christians been called to be salt and light to the world, been commanded to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 28:18-20)?

-Granted, sticking my head out in this world is going to leave me battered and scared at times; it's going to be hard and challenging; there's going to be times when I don't like what I'm experiencing.  But ultimately, I have nothing to fear, for Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)

LORD, teach me to follow where You lead.  Teach me to interact with this world as You did.  LORD, You came to this earth and lived a holy, sinless life, yet you were fully engaged with the world.  Teach me to do the same.