1 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now He who established us with you in Christ and has Anointed us in God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
As Kingdom of God citizens, we must always be mindful of all that our citizenship offers and demands. Just as our citizenship in America (or whatever country you have your citizenship) offers certain benefits, it also has laws that we must abide by. And so it is with the Kingdom of God.
Therefore, we must be very careful about who and what we allow ourselves to be connected to. Although we are called and commissioned to reach the lost world for Christ, we are not called to enter into the ways and activities of the world. On the contrary, we are instructed to come apart and be separate from them. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
So, how can we reach the lost and be separated from them at the same time? This is a question that has plagued many believers. As with every question, the answer lies in the Word of God. In the 17th Chapter of the Book of John, we read Jesus’ prayer for His Disciples. In that prayer, He made this petition to the Father: I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)
I recently read in a Bible commentary that a Christian can be compared to a boat in the middle of the ocean. The ocean is the world that is ruled by Satan. The Christian (the boat) is in the ocean (the world) but the water does not come into the boat because it is sealed and water-tight. All boats come with a guarantee to be sea-worthy. This means they will not sink because they are sealed with a substance that keeps the water out.
When something happens and water is allowed to enter the boat, there is a problem with the boat. If those on board the boat are children or immature, they may think that they can play in the water that is in the boat. This is a big mistake on their part because over time the water will overtake the boat it will sink.
As Christians, we are sealed with the Blood of Jesus which He willingly shed on the Cross of Calvary. His Blood keeps us from sinking into sin. However, as with all boats, maintenance is required to keep the boat sea-worthy. A regular examination of the hull is required. Any small holes, damage, or divots must be repaired immediately with the same sealant that made the boat sound by the manufacturer. When a boat is purchased, it comes with a container of sealant that is to be regularly applied to the outside of the boat, especially the part that sits in the water.
In the life of Christians, this sealant is the Blood of Jesus. He shed His Blood so we can stay afloat in the cold dark waters of this world. Therefore, we must first be very careful to not allow the things of this world into our lives. The Word of God says to not even touch it! (2 Corinthians 6:17)
In addition, we must inspect ourselves on a daily basis for any signs of the world in our lives. If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23) Any signs of damage done by the world must be fixed. This is done through repentance. (1 John 1:9) Then, we are to plead the Blood of Jesus (our sealant that we received when we were born again) over ourselves and ask the Lord for the strength and fortitude to stay afloat in the dark waters of this world. I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Now He who established us with you in Christ and has Anointed us in God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (1 Corinthians 1:21-22)
The Blood of Jesus will……….turn the tide……...in this world.
I plead the Blood of Jesus, Doreen
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