What Does It Mean To Be In The World But Not Of The World?

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Christ has called those who want to be His disciples to be "in the world, but not of the world". 

We see this to be true in John 17:16 where he speaks of humankind saying, "They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world."

It sounds inspiring. But, if you’re wondering what it actually means in real life, you are not alone. Christians have been trying to understand this idea better for 2,000-plus years. 

I think most people here on CatholicMatch have already repudiated the most blatant displays of worldliness. They understand that the purpose of this life is not the pursuit of money, pleasure, or fame. They understand that, except for the rare few who are called to a cloistered life, they still have to be out and about living a very “normal” life—with the same types of jobs and hobbies that bring them into contact with people who might be very much “of this world.” 

So how, in that context, how do you go about being in the world but not of the world? While I certainly won’t claim to have all the answers (or even most of them) I will try to help you dig into this concept a little bit deeper.

So, What Does It Mean to Be In The World But Not of the World?

Our existential questions ultimately boil down to this—who am I and where am I going? When one has given up on a life built around sin and chosen one built around the Gospel, it can be even more challenging. We’re faced with not just giving up some sinful pleasures or some bad habits. We’re often faced with redefining our very selves. And that can be more than a little scary. 

As fallen human beings, scarred by sin, our tendencies pull us toward defining ourselves in ways that are of “this world.” That includes how we identify ourselves as Catholics. 

There are various movements that spring up within the Church. As a general rule, these movements are good. They produce good fruits and they provide those who adhere to them a structure and a way of life. But our own nature can also lead us to take on a “this world” identification. 

Do we identify ourselves as a certain type of Catholic rather than simply a Catholic who follows a certain spiritual way of life within the framework of the Church? If so, we may be letting ourselves be pulled into an “of this world” way of living. 

Nor am I trying to pick on the movements, because those who don’t identify with a movement can be maneuvered into the same temptation. For example, I often chose to identify myself—at least interiorly—as a “meat and potatoes Catholic”. The point is that I was focused on a simple sacramental life, rosary, and good spiritual reading and that I didn’t want to be a part of any broader movement with any type of specific agenda for the Church. 

Here’s the thing—even identifying as not a part of a movement can take on an identity of its own. And like any other movement, it can become a worldly identity. 

Why Should We Try to Be In The World But Not Of It?

Do you find yourself getting annoyed with the rest of the world more frequently? Does any piece of information that challenges your particular worldview meet you with internal turmoil? If so, your newfound identity—one that might well have begun as a path to be not of this world, is leaving you instead of becoming again of this world. 

The end result in these situations is becoming either very disillusioned with your current movement or very angry at the “outside world” for not coming around quicker. When either extreme happens, it’s probably a sign that somewhere along the line you became of the world rather than simply in the world.

How to Be In The World But Not of The World

Back in 2015, I was at a crossroads point and realized there was a question of identity that was going on. So I said a prayer that reversed the question Jesus asked Peter in Matthew 16:15. Our Lord’s question was “Who do you say that I am?” My question was put right back to Jesus on behalf of myself. 

After a few days, I noticed myself constantly being drawn to the statues of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Patrick that were on top of my bookshelf. I realized that was the answer to my prayer. 

But what did that mean? I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out. My answers were usually “of this world.” They involved some type of new initiative or cause—another movement if you will. But eventually, I realized that whenever I was struggling with something, I could simply meditate on that image and everything suddenly seemed all right. God was nesting me squarely within my own identity so I could simply move through this world without being embroiled in it. 

"Be in The World But Not of the World" Verses From the Bible

There are quite a few "in the world but not of it" verses that can be found in the Bible. In fact, this is actually quite a common theme throughout many chapters of the Bible. This should come as no surprise, because, after all, our greatest goal should be to leave this world and head to where we were truly meant for...Heaven! 

See below for a few of our favorite "in the world but not of the world" scripture verses.

Matthew 28:19

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

What this tells us about being in the world not of the world:

This piece of scripture in the New Testament is where God's word tells us to undertake the most unworldly task of all...converting the world! Nothing is more unworldly than being tasked with sharing the Gospel and the will of God with the unbelievers we encounter. But, that's what a Christian life should be dedicated to. And, it is by doing this that we are reminded that we weren't actually made for this world but for the next one. 

Letter of St. James (4:4)

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

What this tells us about why we are in the world but not of the world:

Remember what we just talked about above? That even identifying as not a part of a movement can take on an identity of its own. And like any other movement, it can become a worldly identity. That's what this verse reminds us. Don't try to fit into a worldly movement that doesn't align with your faith and values. By doing so, you may lose track of what you are actually here to do...which is reach Heaven! 

John 17: 14-15

“I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world; as I also am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil.”

What this tells us:

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us this At The Last Discourse, as chronicled in the Gospel of John. When the going gets tough (and it will!) remember that you aren't the only one the world has hated. The world hates Jesus Christ first (and many, many other holy men and women too) before hating you. Your time here on earth isn't to try and get as many people to like you as you can or to store up as many things of the world or achievements as you can. You are here to live a holy and righteous life in the hope of reaching Heaven and hopefully leading others with you there as well. 

Key Takeaways:

I can’t give you any sort of precise prescription for how to be in the world not of it. If I could, it would become a worldly cause all its own. The answer that I can give you is that if you ask the Lord the same question I did—who do you say that I am—he will respond with something uniquely crafted to your soul and you will always find a resting place there. A place where you can be in the world, but not of it. 

FAQS:

Is There More Than One Bible Verse About Being in The World But Not Of It?

Yes, the Bible says in 1 John 5:19 we are reminded that the world belongs to satan, reaffirming the fact that we shouldn't desire to be a part of it, "We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one."

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