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As Christians, we have a particular challenge. There is a saying, “Be ye in the world, but not of the world.” This quote does not actually appear in scripture, but it represents the teachings of Jesus and of the prophets and apostles.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5,
[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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Jesus also taught in The Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 18,
[16] And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you.
[24] Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up — that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.
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We have a responsibility to bring the light of Christ to our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We can do this by our words and actions. Simple acts of service may be very effective in this way.
Listening to another person is a good example of service. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “We do God’s work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them.”
We also have a responsibility to take our place in the world of business, education, government and other worthwhile efforts.
President Hinckley taught “We have an obligation to train our hands and minds to excel in the work of the world for the blessing of all mankind.”
But we must also learn to be careful to avoid worldliness.
The apostle Paul taught “for the fashion of this world passeth away.” (Excerpt from 1 Corinthians 7:31)
Paul also taught “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Furthermore, James taught that we must keep ourselves “unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
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And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
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May the Lord Jesus bless you as you follow these teachings.
Tom Irvine