"In the World but Not of It"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

"In the World but Not of It"

July 23, 2013

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17

In the 14th chapter of Luke, the Savior noted that if a ruler is going to wage war, he would be wise to first check out the size of his enemy's army. If it becomes apparent to the ruler he is going to get clobbered, he will show wisdom in trying to make peace.

Today, we've boiled that down to the simple expression: "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

It should be noted that most of the time the Lord tells His people to keep their distance from the world. He tells us to remain separate because He knows that while that which is good can occasionally influence evil in a positive way, most of the time evil manages to corrupt that which is pure.

Being separate is the position which has just been adopted by representatives of some churches, youth organizations, and folks who had once been associated with the Boy Scouts of America. These folks, not pleased with the moral direction the Boy Scouts have taken in recent years, believe it is time to create a new organization for boys. This group, which has not yet been named, will do many of the things the Boy Scouts do, except it will be founded on Christian principles.

Rob Green, the temporary executive director for the organization says, "Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens."

That's a noble cause and I give thanks there are still people out there who recognize that we Christians, having been redeemed by the Savior, cannot always approve of, or go along with, those things which the world suggests.

When those times come, we, like Luther, are compelled to say, "Here we stand. We can't do anything else."

No doubt, as this organization gets off the ground, the world will level all kinds of nonsensical charges against it. The critics will snarl, "Those Christians think they're too good to be associated with the likes of us."

If you hear that, please let these folks know nothing could be further from the truth. Like all of humanity we believers are sinners, but unlike the rest of humanity we have been given faith in Jesus who offered Himself so that we might be forgiven, saved and redirected.

Now because of all that Jesus has done for us, we want our sons and daughters to walk on His path, and not that of anyone else. It is a different path, but it is a better path, it is a right path. It is God's path ... and that is what we think scouting should be about.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may we do all we can so that those who come after us may walk the road of faith. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of  The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries

 NOTE: To read the Herald-Journal Article on Rob Green, click on this link:  http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130603/articles/130609952