Psalm 37: 3 Dwell in the Land

A common catch phrase among Christians is that we are to be "in the world but not of the world." This isn't an erroneous concept, but it oversimplifies what the scriptures describe as a more complex approach to the world in which we live.

On the one hand, I John 2:15-17 tells us clearly, "Do not love the world or anything in the world." That' what we're supposed to put off. Actively, intentionally reduce the ways in which you are in love with the world and it's ways.

That same apostle, John, gives us the corresponding opposite intentional action, the things we're supposed to put on. "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

That's a lot of love. Given that our mission in this world is to share the gospel and shepherd the people of the world to be reconciled with God, does it make sense for us to do anything less than to love the world the way God does?

He certainly doesn't love the evil done by the people of the world. He doesn't love their hard heartedness, but He does love their hearts and wants to touch their hearts with his love.

We are not of the world, but God has placed us in this world in order to be His ambassadors of light in the dark corners of the world. We're charged with refreshing the world by being His salt

John 17:14-15 records Jesus' prayer to His Father regarding His disciples.

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

The day will come when Jesus takes all His followers out of the world, to join Him in our eternal home before the throne of God. But until that time, our purpose is to make our homes in the place where He has put us, among the people who don't know there is a better home.

If we throw our lives into living out that mission, rather than constantly fighting against the evildoers and the imperfections of this world, the Lord will protect us and bless us while we're here.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture

Psalm 37:3

Dwelling in the land implies much more than just squatting on the land or taking up a temporary, detached residence in a place.

The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 adn Ezekiel 34 has brought us into a land that may be filled with dangers, but He will always provided green pastures in which we can rely on His protection and guarantee of eternal safety.

As long as He is with us, we can live joyfully in this world, even among the evildoers, as living examples of His goodness and grace.