How do we live in the world without being of the world? Louie Giglio addresses this question head-on, reminding us that Jesus sends us into the world as reflections of His light, living missionally and building influence with integrity while staying tethered to the truth.
Key Takeaway
The goal as believers is to be beautiful, God-reflecting lights on mission for the world.
You might be surprised to know how interested God is in our relationship with the culture and the world.
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 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. 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. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
John 17:13-19
What big idea does Jesus want us to see and understand about our relationship with the world?
We aren't of the world, but He is sending us into the world.
If we miss what Jesus is understanding, we're going to end up on two tracks:
1. We will become oblivious to our mission and purpose and lean on the world for pleasure, approval, and applause.
2. We will spend our time running from or condemning the world.
Jesus doesn't want either of those things for us. He wants us to be God-reflecting lights in the world.
What must we do to reflect His light and have a right relationship with the world?
1. Understand that we are sent into the world.
We're not of this world, but we're definitely sent into this world, and as a result, our lives are missional.
Read Matthew 9:36-38.
We have an opportunity to influence the world, bringing the light of Jesus wherever we go.
2. Build a platform of influence.
We become influences of light with the four C's:
Character. A person of character will stand out at work, in school, or in social circles.
Consistency. We consistently come through, show up, and positively influence those around us.
Care. We think primarily about others. When we walk into rooms, we start looking around for people to care for.
Craft. We will hone our crafts to the very best of our ability, becoming the best we can be. We will go the extra mile and take the extra training to honor the Lord in our work.
3. Prioritize missional community.
When we become successful, it can be tempting to forget the mission and drift away from our purpose, ultimately drifting away from Jesus.
If we don't want to drift, we have to be linked into a missional community—we need to be linked in with other people in life who are also on mission.
We need people rooted in God's Word, living on mission, and committed to their best. They should inspire us in our current lane and keep us tethered to the Word of God.
4. Rehearse the mission.
Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
We must remember that this mission is for us, not just for others.
5. Consult the Holy Spirit to set clear boundaries to protect your reputation.
We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we do not fulfill the desires of our flesh.
We need clear, healthy boundaries because we're sent and on mission.
For example,
- If we want to improve our conversations, we should avoid being in situations with people who constantly influence our words negatively.
- If we know that we will tempted with drunkenness if we spend time with a particular group of people in a certain environment, we should make changes to our friend group and surroundings.
We're on mission, and we need to set boundaries that help us influence others toward Jesus rather than being influenced by others.
We need to find people who will keep us accountable if we don't have them already.
6. Realize there are some things you have to die to.
We can't have meltdowns at the ticket counter, react poorly when someone cuts us off, cut people down, or blast our opinions on social media.
Why? Because we want to be a kingdom influence.
Would you rather have influence or have your opinion heard?
Read Colossians 3:17.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to be “in the world but not of it,” and why is that distinction important for believers?
- How can understanding that we are sent into the world change the way we live daily?
- Which of the “Four C’s” (Character, Consistency, Care, Craft) comes most naturally to you, and which one challenges you the most?
- How have you seen success or comfort tempt people to drift from their mission and community?
- What does a “missional community” look like in your life, and how can you invest in one if you don’t currently have one?
- How often do you pause to “rehearse the mission,” and what could that look like practically for you?
- In what ways can the Holy Spirit help you set and maintain healthy boundaries in your relationships and lifestyle?
- Are there habits, attitudes, or reactions you need to “die to” in order to better reflect Jesus?
- How do you determine whether you’re influencing others for Christ or being influenced by the world?
- What steps can you take this week to live more intentionally on mission in your current environment?
Scripture References
