Many of us struggle with what it means to be “holy”. We wonder if being holy requires us to withdraw completely from certain places, people, or situations. Should we create our own Christian bubbles where we are safe from worldly influences? Or does God have something else in mind when He calls us to holiness?

John 17:15-18
New King James Version
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

In His final recorded prayer before the crucifixion, Jesus addresses this very tension. Notice what He doesn’t pray for—He doesn’t ask the Father to remove His followers from the world.

Instead, He prays for their protection while they remain in it. This reveals something profound about holiness: it’s not about isolation but about distinction.

The world and even many Christians have developed a misconception about holiness. They equate being holy with being isolated and secluded. But Scripture presents a different picture. To live a holy life isn’t withdrawal from the world—it’s living distinctively within it.

1 Peter 2:9
New King James Version
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Peter describes believers as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” Notice the purpose that follows: “that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Our holiness exists for proclamation, for influence, for impact.

We are set apart not to be separated but to serve as witnesses.

This raises a practical question many of us have asked: “How do I be in the world but not of the world?” How do we navigate this delicate balance of engagement without compromise? Jesus’ prayer provides our answer. He acknowledges that His followers don’t belong to the world (verse 16), yet He deliberately sends them into it (verse 18).

Jesus’ own life modelled this principle perfectly. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, touched the untouchable, and engaged with those society rejected—all while maintaining perfect holiness.

He didn’t avoid the broken places of society; He brought healing to them. As His followers, we’re called to the same mission.

Consider salt and light—two metaphors Jesus used to describe His followers in Matthew 5. Salt doesn’t preserve meat by staying in the saltshaker, separated from what needs preserving. It must make direct contact to have any effect.

Similarly, light doesn’t dispel darkness by shining in already bright places; it must shine precisely where darkness exists.

As Jesus prayed in John 17:15, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” We aren’t called to dissociate from the world but for our presence to have a preserving and illuminating effect on those around us.

Though our attitude and manner don’t save people, they can and should draw people to Christ. As believers, we are bridges of influence, facilitating connection between God and humanity.

We are not meant to be barriers, separating ourselves from others, but bridges, connecting them to God. Our lives should provoke hunger for something different, not comfort with the status quo.

Imagine a world where believers only associate with believers. How then would God’s desire be accomplished? How would the glory of God cover the earth as waters cover the sea? How would the world hear of Jesus? How would we disciple nations and bring people to the knowledge of God? Our withdrawal would defeat the very purpose for which Christ sends us.

In John 17:18, Jesus says,
18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

We are sent ones, commissioned to represent Christ in the world. This sends us back to our identity as those set apart for a purpose.

2 Corinthians 5:20
New King James Version
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Paul declares that we are ambassadors for Christ, His representatives on earth. An ambassador doesn’t change citizenship when entering a foreign land. They maintain their distinct identity while engaging meaningfully with the culture around them.

An ambassador doesn’t hide away in the embassy all day—they go out, build relationships, and represent their homeland’s interests and values.

This requires us to be intentional about our influence, using every opportunity to reflect God. Whether in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, or social circles, we carry Christ’s presence. Our conversations, decisions, and actions should reflect His character and values, not in a preachy or judgmental way, but with genuine love and grace.

The early church understood this principle. They gathered in the temple and from house to house, but they also engaged with society around them. Their distinctive lives—marked by generosity, joy, and love—drew others to Christ. They didn’t withdraw; they influenced. They didn’t conform; they transformed.

Remember that our purpose is not just to know God but also to make Him known. We’re not just living for ourselves; we’re living for a purpose greater than ourselves. We’re set apart, not separated—bridges of influence, people of purpose.

Every day presents new opportunities to live out this calling—to be distinct without being distant, to be holy without being hidden. In every interaction, conversation, and decision, we can reflect God’s love and character. We’re ambassadors of Christ, representing Him in the world that desperately needs His light.

Prayer Point
Father, I recognize my calling as Your ambassador in this world. Help me to be set apart for Your purpose. Give me wisdom to navigate complex situations with both holiness and love. I become a bridge to connect others to You. May I represent You faithfully wherever You send me, bringing Your light into dark places.