I am not of this world. John 17:14

  "I (Jesus) have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." NKJV
  "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." JCB

  What would it look like to truly live not of this world? It would mean living by the truth of the last 295 affirmations, the gift of the Word, the Bible record and the love of Jesus.
  It would mean letting go of whatever in the world prevents us from living in the every day presence of God.
  So why is this so hard to do? Is it because we are at war? Is it because the enemy of our joy is determined to strip it from us in any way he can? Is it because it is far easier to believe negative things are more true? Especially when the culture surrounding us is so adept at crushing the human spirit?
 
  How does one live in the mortal world with an eternal life? Without getting drawn into the toxic negativity surrounding us all the time?
  That is the biggest challenge for me. It would be easier to surround myself with people of like minds. Those who live passionately for Jesus. Except...
  The stark reality is there is such pain and suffering all around. To turn away from offering hope, offering comfort, offering help wherever we are able to isn't The Way. To turn a blind eye to the discomfort and sorrows of our fellow man isn't what we are called to do.

  It needs to start in our own back yard.
  There is a hidden population of the homeless. They remain unseen unless we open our eyes to their presence.
  There are people trapped in a community with no way out, no ride, no transportation to shelter, a bigger job market and affordable housing.
  The shelter opened for the winter has closed its doors for the summer yet the need remains. The handful of volunteers involved with it couldn't keep going.  God bless them for all they have done.
  There are people struggling to rise above their addictions yet face prejudice and condemnation from "the good people". Addictions have no financial boundaries, status doesn't mean a thing.
  NIMBY (not in my back yard) is God's enemy striking deep. Ignorance is his delight. Indifference is his laughter.
  Lord, unlock Your love in me so I may serve with a heart not of this world. Amen.