As human beings, we are physically born into a world of expectations, ideals, and practices, and focus on what is here, now, and tangible. When we choose to follow Christ as our Savior, we are reborn not of the flesh but the Spirit of God. When that occurs, the things we once lived for and after no longer become the life source of what we exist for; instead, it shifts to running after God. In that sentiment, what does it mean to not be of this world?
Focus
In living a life following Christ, your focus is no longer rooted in the things the world calls most important. The world typically highlights that focus ought to be on money, power, status, or tangible things. The things God deems valuable, on the other hand, can be seen through Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" and Matthew 22:36-40, "'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Both of these verses remind us that what God desires us to place focus on are things that are of the heart, mind, and soul. They are also things that cannot be purchased or earned by climbing the ladder of status. Instead, they are rooted and structured through the leading and cultivation of the Holy Spirit. The focus of these verses is also not selfish or self-seeking. They shift the focus onto more significant things than personal gain.
Treasures in Heaven
Living not of this world also entails a shift of building up treasures in Heaven rather than solely here on Earth. Referencing the passage in Matthew again, this is completely counter to society's narrative. What is grown and produced of fruit goes beyond the present here and now and beyond this breath of a lifetime. Instead, what is stored up by harvest is that which will endure and last beyond our short time here on Earth and is the result of living by the Spirit of God. The beauty is that the product of living by the Spirit is not even in the aspiration to create a storehouse of wealth in the beyond because the heart and focus instead is on what God is leading, asking, and building up. The result is treasure in Heaven, but it is not the motive for action. It is the beautiful outcome of obedience to God.
Accountability
There is also higher accountability when someone chooses to live not of this world. Those living in the world are accountable at the end of the day to themselves alone. Their own set of morals, beliefs, and what is correct in their own eyes. When someone is living not of this world, a higher authority is answered to, and that Higher Authority is God Himself. There is a code of the Bible to live by and adhere to as well. I heard a Pastor share once that if there is something in the Bible that he found disagreement with, it is not the Bible that needs to change, but instead his viewpoint that needs to be altered. That alteration would come from asking the Lord to mold, change, and align his heart with God's Word. Answering to God is a higher call than answering to yourself or even answering to men. It requires humility and the putting away of stubbornness in exchange for peace and covering of the Lord.
Obedience
Obedience to God is a key factor of living not of this world. Romans 12:2 explains, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." In this way, obedience looks like in action living by the Word of God and living by what the Spirit is leading within your own heart and path. Romans 8:26 explains that the Spirit can translate even our tears into prayers, so we can comprehend that the reverse is true as well. The Spirit can speak to us in ways we comprehend and understand as His leading, encouragement, and direction in our lives. Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us, "'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' When we come before God with an open heart and open mind, He will lead us in the correct way by His Spirit.
A Different Look
It will be evident in how we live our lives and how we choose to approach things that we are not living by the standards and ideals of the world when we follow God. Colossians 3:2 encourages, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." If it is our heart and intent to be all in with God and to live a life not of this world but one of the Kingdom of God in heart and mind, we will have our minds set on things above. But great freedom and joy is in knowing that we are serving God's Eternal Kingdom, not man's fleeting empires.
A Prayer for Living Not of the World
Father God,
We come before You with hearts in eager submission to follow You and that which You lead us in. Lord, we know that this Earth is temporary, and anything we seek to fill the holes within us here on Earth leaves us feeling even more empty and disappointed. Lord, we earnestly desire to seek after You and that which You call beautiful, noble, correct, and good. Mold our hearts in a fashion that we would desire the things of You. Stir within us the joy that is knowing You and knowing You intimately. And Lord, help us to be Lights and ambassadors of You in this world so that our banners may clearly wave for You and You alone. Thank You, Lord, for the reminder that when we place our hope in Jesus, we are called Your children. Just as John17:6 offers, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." We become citizens of Heaven, and what a joy there is in that. We praise You, Father.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com