In Not Of

In The Godfather III, Michael Corleone stated "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in". I can empathize. Not from the mob family perspective, and particularly the Corleones, but from an out-of-this-world perspective. There are day to day, moment by moment occurrences, feelings, and issues which challenge the Christian life experience within this world.

Most certainly prayer, Bible reading, and the church body are paramount combatants against this world's challengers, but I would argue that dialogue and engagement with this world are large components—to keep our own faith challenged and true.

All too often, I believe that "Christians" are isolated from this world (at least in my neck of the woods). Tucked into churches, over-scheduled with christian to-dos, christian sports leagues, and study groups. Let us not wear blinders to those walking around this land with us. Or even worse, think less—poor little non-Christians.

We are called to live in this world, and not of it. The ability to be a participant is critical, not only for the sharing of the Gospel, but for having an understanding of the society and culture in which we live, and being able to communicate and love within it.

Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". Keeping in step with the Spirit is crucial as engagement with this world can be deadly. But there is a battle waging for hearts and allegiance, and we need to be participants. Perhaps Michael Corleone said had a point in Godfather II, "My father taught me many things here - he taught me in this room. He taught me - keep your friends close but your enemies closer."