In the world, and yet not to be of the world!

(Mary Winslow, "Life in Jesus")

"They are not part of this world any more than
I am." John 17:16

What a difficult matter it is to be in the world,
and yet not to be of the world! Our Lord Himself
carried out this principle. He passed through the
world as one who was not of it.

Oh, that we could but imitate His holy example,
and aim only, while in it, so to let our light shine,
that others may take knowledge of us that we
have been with Jesus, and have learned of Him.

It should be our whole endeavor to do all the
good we can in it and for it; and yet to set at
nothing its spirit, its principles, and its maxims.

How can a believer walk through this world
safely and securely? Only as he is upheld by
a strength that is Omnipotent!

I am passing through a world lying in the wicked one.

I belong to another kingdom, which is not of this world.

Dear friend, see, then, your high calling!

He has called you to come out of the world and
to be separate; in principle, in practice, in heart.

"The world would love you if you belonged to
it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of
the world, and so it hates you." John 15:19

"I have given them Your word. And the world
hates them because they do not belong to the
world, just as I do not." John 17:14