"Do not love the world or the things in the world," says God to me and you, in I John 2:15. "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever," (verse 17).
We can't help but live in this world. We're trapped in it! We can't always even avoid being physically or emotionally scarred by the harshness of life on earth. But we can avoid hurting our characters-- the only thing we'll take with us into the next world.
God has a people specially chosen and placed as His agents, His ambassadors, in this world. They live in this world, but they don't come from it, or cling to it. They are "in the world, but not of the world."
Where do you find this special group? Walk the halls of Armona Union Academy, and you'll probably bump into them.
They may be teachers, students, visitors, or staff. They may be old, young, male, female, bold, or shy. What unites them is their common goal: to keep themselves from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).
They have brought the Living God into every area of their lives, including entertainment. They decide what music to listen to based on how it will affect their relationship with God. They choose to watch a TV show only if they feel confident that Jesus would feel comfortable watching it with them. They put in their mouths only what will build up their bodies, and let out of their mouths only words that will build others up.
I hope that if you bump into me in the halls of AUA, or
anywhere else in this world, you'll know that I am in this world, but not of it.
Jim Miles
September 16, 1997