John 17:15-16-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.
The Christian is a pilgrim on a journey to eternity in heaven but we spend considerable time as strangers and pilgrims on earth. 1 Peter 2:11 – Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners”to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.(NLT)
While living on earth, we cannot avoid doing business to keep life going and we have to interact with the world around us and occupy places in the marketplace.
God left us with a guide to help us stay away from the evil that is in the world. In 2nd Corinthians 6:17, He said “Leave them; separate yourselves from them; don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.
Paul admonished Timothy, his mentee to be careful and avoid people who are covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; including those having a form of godliness, but denying the power (2Tim 3:1-5).
We need to constantly remind ourselves to stay away from people or influences that would corrupt us on this pilgrimage to heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”(NKJV)
2nd Timothy 2:22: Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.(NKJV)
PRAYER: Lord help me to be aware that am in the world but not of the world. Give me the grace to stay away from evil influences and help me to follow righteousness, faithfulness, love and peace with those who call on you with pure hearts. In Jesus name. Amen.