“I like work, it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.”

This was quipped by British humorist Jerome K. Jerome. It reminded me of people who boast about their exhausting exercise routines, after watching others perform it on television. There are many who participate in a variety of activities only to be later revealed that their participation was as a spectator. However, there are times when it is better to be a spectator rather than an actual participant. The Bible repeatedly warns the Christian believer to live in this world but not become a part of it. We are to be sanctified, set apart to do God’s work, to thrive in His Kingdom. 

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. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 

John 17:15-17 (NLT)

This prayer by Jesus is a sobering reminder that God has placed us in this world to persevere and honor Him and be protected against Satan, not to remove us. The Apostle Paul repeats this command. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

How do we remain steadfast and abide by the commands of God? The Holy Spirit seals it with His promise that we will always keep this teaching close to our hearts by reminding us of the love our Father God has for us.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 

1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)

We live in this world to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. To accomplish this, we do not become like the world but bring the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ to a fallen world. There are times when it is better to be a spectator than an actual participant. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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