As Christians, we are to be a people who live in the world God created, but we must not be worldly. Yes, if you choose this life, you will be hated as Jesus was, being despised and rejected (See Isaiah 53:3). All the same, we must love the people of the world as God loves them, but we must not love the world itself and the sins and idols of the world (See John 15:18-20). In the Old Testament, Elijah spoke to the people of Israel saying, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). The people of Israel were caught between two different views; they were trying to serve two masters, which one cannot do (See Matthew 6:24). The Israelites were sitting on the fence, unable to fully commit to God or Baal, their idol.
By being “not of this world,” the only One we should worship is God Almighty. Do not be like the ones who love darkness more than the light! (See John 3:19). Jesus is the Light of the world, and he came to disperse the darkness through his sacrifice in order to bring many sons to glory (See Hebrews 2:10). So do not be brought low by the cares of this world and fall away like the seed that fell among the thorns (See Matthew 13:7;22).
God despises the ones who straddles the fence, that is those who are lukewarm. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Choose this day whom you will serve, and I pray that it is God whom you will serve wholeheartedly (See Joshua 24:15). But do not try to serve two masters. This world can never satisfy us; only God can. To those God loves, He will rebuke and discipline, for He desires to have you all to Himself. God is a jealous God, so stay away from idols and other gods lest God’s anger be kindled against you (See Deuteronomy 6:14-15).
Devotionals by Joel 