I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. ~ John 17:15-17, ESV

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV

 

In it, not of it.
        Deride us if you must,
labeling other-worldliness and unworldliness
                          annoying heresy,
                                           because of refusal
to conform to world’s
                          false and fleeting fashions—
                                           immoral conducts.

                         Not from it, sent into it.
                Set apart—sanctified:
                                          to NOT walk sinfully,
                                 as evildoers, doubters, backsliders;
                                          to NOT talk vilely,
                                 as non-believers, unbelievers, disbelievers;
                                          to NOT think wickedly,
                                 as atheists, agnostics, apostates.

Ambassadors for Christ.
                         Sent into world
                                         with full power,
                                         with all authority,
                to publish and proclaim peace—
                                           the Gospel Message: reconciliation;
the fullness of Christ.

 

~ from my Spirit’s Musing manuscript