Home > John Shirk > In, Not Of The World. What does that look like?
avatar

In, Not Of The World. What does that look like?

August 20th, 2010

JOHN SHIRK – David Kinnaman recently wrote a book examining attitudes of the younger generation toward Christianity.  In that book titled, “UnChristian” he points out the dangers of two extremes for Christians: Being overly sheltered in a Christian bubble or trying to fit into the world.  We know God loves the people of the world, but opposes the values of the world, which are built on pride, greed, and lust. So, if we are going to be salt and light in the world, we must be careful to engage lovingly with the people in the world without compromising Biblical values.  As David Kinnaman notes, “We should pursue both goals: Purity and Proximity-living in a way that honors God, but doing so in a way that can influence outsiders.”

On the night before His death, Jesus prayed for His followers in this way in John 17:15: “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.”  As we go into the world, God uses compassionate hearts and godly character to show people that Jesus is real, and so is His love.

That’s today’ Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com




  1. erica
    August 24th, 2010 at 11:29 | #1

    This is such a big issue…seriously. This past year I switched from Christian Private School to Public. My world changed in the blink of an eye. I had grown up in that very “Christian Bubble.” I never missed a Sunday, I always attended Youth Group, always involved with Church activities, and at school everything was geared towards our Christian World View. Little did I know how many of us took forgranted a strong Biblical educatoion. I understood how sheltered I was, in the first few hours of the first day. My spiritual walk was definately affected by this. I went from a relitively “shallow” relationship with my Lord…..to a close and personal love for Him. If I wasnt saved there is no way I could have survied the past year in one peice 🙂 I began to sruggle and wander. Mostly in relationships. I was too trusting of everyone from the begining, and that only lead to heartache. But God was ALWAYS there for me. HE was my best friend thru the whole year. It has been a tremendous growing experience, of which I am truely greatful.

  2. erica
    August 24th, 2010 at 11:33 | #2

    Teens in this world today need to find a balance. There is no way you can walk from a bubble like that into the world without it affecting you at all….its unreal. We really need to keep evaluating our lives and our relationship with our Savior. We are to be in the world, not of it. We are to be lights in the darkness. God isnt telling us to adapt to the world. We need to find the piece that fits between both extremes. Between the conservative bubble and the wayward world. And God’s the one we need to look to, its as simple as that!

  3. erica
    August 24th, 2010 at 11:35 | #3

    haha let me add one more thing. I hope you all take an interest in this book. I know i have. Thanks <3

  1. No trackbacks yet.