My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18

I was reminded recently of a poem I wrote years ago that has a way of remaining relevant year after year. It’s all about how the culture influences our faith, and it remains relevant because culture — especially pop culture — is such a powerful force in society. Would that our faith was the thing that is influencing culture, but all too often it is the other way around.

Jesus told us to be “in” the world but not “of” the world which would make us run counter to the cultural norms and patterns, but instead, Christianity has become more of a subculture than a counterculture. We are so enamored with the world’s wealth, power and glory that we adjust our faith to the world rather than speak truth to power as Christ did.

The Jesus Movement was countercultural. We need to reclaim that adversarial positioning towards the world. Jesus shook things up. He didn’t fit in anywhere. He didn’t want to.

This poem shows how we came to be in the place we are in today. Time to get the prepositions right. “In” the world but not “of” the world.

It remains the challenge.

The In’s and Out’s of It

by John Fischer

“In it, not of it,” the statement was made
As Christian One faced the world, much afraid.
“In it, not of it,” the call was made clear,

But Christian One got something stuck in his ear.
“Not in it, or of it” was the thing that he heard.
And knowing the world was painfully absurd,

He welcomed the safety of pious retreat,
And went to the potluck for something to eat.

Now Christian Two, he knew what to do,

He’d show those fundies a thing or two!
How will the world ever give Christ a try
If we don’t get in there and identify?

So “In it, and of it,” he said in his car,

As he pulled in and stopped at a popular bar.
“I’ll tell them the truth, as soon as I’m able

To get myself out from under this table.”

Now along comes Christian Three jogging for Jesus,

In witnessing sweats made of four matching pieces.
His earphones are playing a hot Christian tune

About how the Lord is coming back soon.
“Not in it, but of it,” he turns down the hill

And stops in for a bite at the Agape Grill.
Like the gold on the chain of his “God Loves You” bracelet,

He can have the world without having to face it.

While way up in heaven they lament these conditions

That come from changing a few prepositions.
“Not in it, or of it,” Christian One thought.
But who in the world will know that he’s not?

“In it, and of it,” thought Christian Two.
But who in the world will know that he knew?

“Not in it, but of it,” thought Christian Three.

But who in the world watches Christian TV?

And Jesus turns to Gabriel, shaking His head.

“‘In it, not of it,’ wasn’t that what I said?”