In the World, But Not Of It

Genesis 46:31-34

³¹Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. ³²And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ ³³When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ ³⁴you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

(ESV)

Thought:
You shall notice throughout the story of Joseph, this aversion of Egyptians to Hebrews. They do not eat with them when Joseph invites them in for a meal, for it is an abomination, so also we have a similar thing here about shepherds.

Why does Joseph tell them to do this? So that they might dwell as their own people in this foreign land. They wouldn’t become Egyptians, they were very well treated refugees. But they were to remain their own distinct people group, not to assimilate into the Egyptians culture.

Just think about us as Christians, we aren’t worried about becoming Egyptians. But we desire not to become like the world, the society and culture around which is opposed to God. Just read 1 John 2:15

1 John 2:15

Do Not Love the World

¹⁵Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(ESV)

There is to be a separation between us and the world, not one of physical distance, but of behaviour and belief. We don’t behave, we don’t think, we don’t believe the things the rest of society does. The ways of the world are opposed to Jesus, and therefore as his followers we are opposed to them.

There is an intoxicating allure to the pleasures and temptations of this world, money sex, power, reputation, respect, so many things just to name a few, that seem appealing from the outside, but they are always advertising themselves as the thing that shall finally fulfill you. They are that final thing you have been missing in life. But when you pursue them you find they are just as hollow as everything else.

So God warns us, steer clear, be part of the world, as in interact with those within it. But do not be led astray from following him. Be cautious, be alert but also remember God will sustain you and keep you from stumbling.

Reflection:
As I go about my day, I need to be aware of how easily the values of the world can shape my thinking. It is possible to slowly drift toward loving the same things the world loves without even noticing it. Today I need to apply this by examining what captures my attention, affections, and ambitions. I can enjoy God's gifts without allowing them to replace Him. My goal is not to withdraw from the world, but to remain faithful to Christ while living within it.

Prayer:
Father, help me live faithfully in the world without being shaped by it. Guard my heart from loving the things that draw me away from You. Give me wisdom to enjoy Your gifts without worshipping them, and help me remain distinct as one of Your people. Keep me close to Christ and strengthen me to follow Him each day. Amen.