Why We Must Be No Part of This World

“They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”​—JOHN 17:16.

1. What kind of treatment did Jesus say that his followers could expect?

JESUS CHRIST was rejected, hated and even persecuted by this world. So what could his followers expect? Well, he told them: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. Bear in mind the word I said to you, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my word, they will observe yours also.”​—John 15:18-20.

2. (a) What is the “world” from which Jesus’ followers differ greatly? (b) Instead of taking Christ’s disciples out of the world, what does Jehovah do in their behalf?

² Yes, Jesus’ true followers differ greatly from this world​—sinful human society alienated from God. So much is this the case that Christ’s disciples are hated and persecuted by this world. But in being unworldly, Jesus’ followers are adhering to his superlative example, and Jehovah God watches over them in keeping with Christ’s prayer: “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.”​—John 17:15-17.

3. Regarding this world, what questions require answers?

³ What does it mean to be “no part of the world”? Does it indicate that Jesus’ followers must avoid all contact with non-Christians?

Christians Cannot Be Isolationists

4. Jesus assigned what work to his followers, making it impossible for them to be isolationists?

⁴ Surely, Jesus did not expect his followers to isolate themselves in exclusive religious communities. Rather, he gave them a globe-encircling work to do, saying: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) He also commanded them: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) Of course, while “people of all the nations” would thus become disciples, it was not to be expected that entire nations themselves would accept the teachings of Jesus Christ.

5. By what Scripturally authorized means are people converted to Christianity?

⁵ But some may remark: ‘Have not entire nations been converted to Christianity? And do they not make up what is known as Christendom?’ Well, certain rulers have determined the religion of their subjects and have not been hesitant about enforcing that determination by cruel and barbarous methods. Moreover, fear of torture in a mythical hellfire has been a potent factor in so-called conversions to nominal Christianity. (Compare Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.) But how far all of this is from the only Scripturally authorized way of spreading the true Christian faith! That noble activity is to be carried on by active witnessing, teaching and disciple making. Hermits or cloistered monks and nuns could never accomplish that work or follow Christ’s command to ‘let their light shine before men.’ (Matthew 5:14-16) And forced “conversions” have nothing in common with the witnessing, preaching and teaching that help honest-hearted people of all nations to make an intelligent heartfelt dedication to Jehovah God.

Why “No Part of the World”

6. As recorded at John 13:35, why can it be said that Jehovah’s Witnesses fit Jesus’ description of his followers?

⁶ The name “Christian” has often proved to be a false label. What acts of greed, conquest, slaughter in war and oppression of the masses are chargeable to so-called Christian people and nations! But how different it is with Christ’s true followers! “By this all will know that you are my disciples,” said Jesus, “if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) There are, indeed, people who match that description today​—Jehovah’s Witnesses. Love among them means no ruthless competition, no provocation, no taking of selfish advantage of one another. Rather, it means speaking in agreement, having no divisions, being ‘united in the same mind and line of thought.’ (1 Corinthians 1:10; 13:4-8) Jehovah’s Witnesses have learned the thinking of God and Christ and are guided by it. (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 2:16) A very important part of that thinking is that Christians must be “no part of the world.”​—Compare James 1:27.

7. How do Paul’s words at Acts 17:30, 31 indicate that it is inappropriate for Christians to be part of this world?

⁷ There are very good reasons for Jesus’ followers to be ‘no part of this world.’ For some 4,000 years, the vast majority of mankind has ‘had no hope and has been without God in the world.’ (Ephesians 2:12) But the long period of alienation from Jehovah due to human sin will not go on indefinitely. Nineteen centuries ago the apostle Paul said that God was “telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent,” for ‘He had set a day in which he purposed to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he had appointed,’ Jesus Christ. Paul added that God “has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected [Jesus] from the dead.” (Acts 17:30, 31) This “day” of his Millennial Rule is very near. The wicked world must go. It will be judged, condemned and eradicated forever. How inappropriate, then, for professing Christians to be part of this world!

8. What work indicates that “the end” is near, thus furnishing another reason for Jehovah’s people to be “no part of the world”?

⁸ More than 1,900 years have passed since Jesus’ resurrection, and without question the execution of divine judgment upon apostate Christendom and the rest of Satan’s world is imminent. (2 Peter 3:10; 1 John 5:19) Meanwhile, Jehovah’s Witnesses are proclaiming God’s message earth wide and “seasons of refreshing” are being enjoyed by repentant, appreciative ones of humankind. (Acts 3:19-21) In keeping with Jesus’ prophetic words for our day, more than 2,650,000 witnesses of Jehovah are now preaching “this good news of the kingdom” in 205 lands. When that work has resulted in “a witness to all the nations” to the extent that God wills, “the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Surely, then, with the end of this wicked system so close at hand, there is every reason for Jehovah’s people to be “no part of the world.”

9. (a) Since Satan’s world is about to end, how should we view Kingdom interests and requirements? (b) What questions now merit our consideration?

⁹ Since Satan’s world is about to end, how vital it is to make sure that we really are seeking God’s Kingdom first! (Matthew 6:33) Whatever may be our age, education or station in life, “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10) So have we put Kingdom requirements into practice in our lives? Or are we still actually striving to be in harmony with this world that hates true Christians? Do we have worldly ambitions and hopes? Are we imitating the world’s unscriptural fads? And are we admiring its idols? Remember that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” (James 4:4) Therefore, to prevent our becoming God’s enemy, how can we avoid worldly contamination? What are some of the things in the world that we must shun?

Shun Love of the World

10. First John 2:15, 16 mentions what three things in this world that Jehovah’s people must not love?

¹⁰ The apostle John wrote: “Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world​—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—​does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world.” (1 John 2:15, 16) Here John cited three basic things in this world that Jehovah’s people must not love.

11. Why must Christians not succumb to “the desire of the flesh”?

¹¹ “The desire of the flesh” could lead us into many hurtful and death-dealing practices so common in this wicked world under Satan’s control. Among these are “works” of the sinful flesh​—“fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.” We just cannot with impunity ignore the apostle Paul’s warning “that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:19-21) Indeed, those unrepentantly practicing “the works of the flesh” are part of this world and will have no share in the promised Kingdom that will vindicate Jehovah’s name and transform the earth into a paradise. (Luke 23:43) Clearly, then, Christians must not succumb to “the desire of the flesh.”

12. (a) What is “the desire of the eyes,” and how can it affect one’s position spiritually? (b) Regarding “the desire of the eyes,” what may we well ask ourselves?

¹² “The desire of the eyes” is another characteristic of those who are part of this world. As they accumulate wealth and possessions, they never seem to be satisfied. Why, even many who have paid some attention to Bible truth that is spread by Jehovah’s Witnesses eventually yield to “the desire of the eyes” and, hence, make no spiritual progress. Their desire for new clothes, cars, houses, appliances and many other things that please the eye becomes so strong that, as Jesus said, “the deceptive power of riches and the desires for the rest of the things make inroads and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18, 19) Interestingly, Satan tempted Eve by causing her to desire something forbidden that she could see with her eyes. However, he was totally unsuccessful in his efforts to induce Jesus to sin by reaching out for things seen with the eyes. (Genesis 3:1-6; Luke 4:5-8) But what about you? Are you following Jesus’ sterling example? Or has satisfying “the desire of the eyes” so absorbed your time, attention and energy that Kingdom interests are being neglected? If spiritual concerns are receding into the background, act quickly to remedy that situation!

13. As shown by Paul and in certain proverbs, to what can the greedy “desire of the eyes” lead?

¹³ The greedy “desire of the eyes” can lead to dishonesty, envy, covetousness and other sins meriting God’s disapproval. As Paul said, “greedy persons” are among those who will not “inherit God’s kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Appropriately, too, wise proverbs warn: “A man of faithful acts will get many blessings, but he that is hastening to gain riches will not remain innocent. A man of envious eye is bestirring himself after valuable things, but he does not know that want itself will come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:20, 22) Even if poverty does not immediately come upon certain greedy, envious individuals, they either will die outside God’s favor or will come to a sad end at the conclusion of this system of things.​—Matthew 24:3; Luke 12:13-21.

14. (a) How may “the showy display of one’s means of life” manifest itself? (b) What is at the root of such “showy display,” boasting and status-seeking? (c) Why resist the temptation to flaunt our acquisitions and supposed attainments?

¹⁴ “The showy display of one’s means of life” must also be avoided by Jehovah’s servants. How tempting it can be to show off costly acquisitions! Such wrong desire often leads not only to trying to keep up with others but also to striving to get far ahead of them materially. Akin to this is boasting about what a person thinks he has achieved. Hoping to attain position or status, he may even cultivate the friendship and support of prominent individuals. But those allowing themselves to be used in this way are foolish, and the inordinately ambitious person may eventually become like the “ungodly men” of Jude’s day whose ‘mouths spoke swelling things while they were admiring personalities for their own benefit.’ (Jude 4, 16) At the root of all this status-seeking and showy display is sinful pride. (Proverbs 8:13; 16:18; 21:4) Surely, then, we must resist the temptation to flaunt our acquisitions and supposed attainments. Apropos here is the proverb: “The eating of too much honey is not good; and for people to search out their own glory, is it glory?” (Proverbs 25:27) And since most humans are walking on the broad way leading to destruction, how timely are Jesus’ words, “Woe, whenever all men speak well of you”!​—Luke 6:26.

“The World Is Passing Away”

15. (a) The apostle John furnishes what fundamental reason to be “no part of the world”? (b) Toward what should loyal Christians direct their main efforts?

¹⁵ John furnishes us with a fundamental reason to be “no part of the world” when he adds: “Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) “The world,” unrighteous human society, is nearing its end in the fast-approaching “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21) During that period of time every vestige of this world’s political, commercial and false religious elements will be destroyed. So how could any true witnesses of Jehovah devote all their time, energy and resources to these elements that shortly will come to nothing? Rather, loyal Christians will direct their main efforts toward the furthering of Kingdom interests and the things that are lasting, eternal. Moreover, through such loyalty and faith Jehovah’s people will ‘conquer the world’ of unrighteous human society, even as Jesus Christ did. (John 16:33) Yes, and they will survive when this world passes away by divine destruction, just as Noah and his family survived the Flood.​—2 Peter 2:5.

16. What questions remain for our consideration?

¹⁶ Since this world is passing away, then, how should Christians view involvement in its social affairs? What attitude should they have toward education, business dealings and recreation? Questions such as these remain for our careful consideration.

Remain “Without Spot From the World”

“The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.”​—JAMES 1:27.

1, 2. What are some requirements of clean worship?

JEHOVAH requires clean worship. (John 4:23, 24) Among other things, undefiled religion prompts active, loving concern for the needy. (Galatians 2:10) It also calls upon us to keep ourselves unspotted by the world, that is, unrighteous human society alienated from God and “lying in the power of the wicked one,” Satan the Devil.​—1 John 5:19.

² “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this,” wrote the disciple James, “to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.” Another rendition is: “Pure, unspoilt religion, in the eyes of God our Father is this: coming to the help of orphans and widows when they need it, and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world.”​—James 1:27, The Jerusalem Bible.

3. What questions will we now consider?

³ But how can we as Jehovah’s servants keep ourselves “uncontaminated by the world”? What is the Scriptural view of such things as the world’s social affairs, educational arrangements, business dealings and recreational activities?

‘Keeping Uncontaminated by the World’

4. John 17:14 and Isaiah 2:2-4 indicate what as to our relationship with this world?

⁴ Since we as witnesses of Jehovah are “no part of the world,” we must differ from unrighteous human society. (John 17:14) In part, this requires that we remain neutral as regards the world’s political affairs. We must also refrain from involvement in its violence and must pursue peace as those who have ‘beaten their swords into plowshares.’​—Isaiah 2:2-4.

5. To remain uncontaminated by this world, what action must we take as indicated by (a) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? (b) Ephesians 5:3-5?

⁵ As people desiring to remain uncontaminated by this world, we must avoid the speech, conduct and attitudes that are so common among worldly individuals, but that are out of harmony with God’s Word. For instance, hatred, greediness, shameful conduct and obscene jesting have no proper place in our life. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:3-5) It is not surprising that our acts and attitudes differ from those of worldly people, for they do not share our Christian hope.

Time Is Short for This World Order

6. In view of 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, how should Jehovah’s Witnesses look upon marriage, possessions or other earthly things?

⁶ The apostle Paul wrote: “The time is growing short. From now on let those who have wives behave as if they had none, and the mourners as if they were not mourning, and the joyful as if they did not rejoice; those who purchase as if they were not possessors, and those who made use of the world as if they had no use for it, because the present world order is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Modern Language Bible) This indicates that although Christian husbands must discharge marital obligations, they should not make marriage their whole life. At death, spirit-begotten Christians will forever leave behind all earthly relationships, joys, sorrows and possessions. Why, even now, Christians, whether they have a heavenly or an earthly hope, may lose a wife or material possessions! Moreover, during the “great tribulation” life, not material possessions, will be preserved. (Matthew 24:21; Ecclesiastes 9:11) So none of Jehovah’s Witnesses today should place marriage, possessions or other earthly things first in life. Instead, all Christians should make a good relationship with Jehovah God the matter of supreme importance. Especially is this so since we are living in “the last days” and “the present world order is passing away.”​—2 Timothy 3:1.

7. According to one economist, what has grown along with growth in education, income, and so forth?

⁷ Many people are concerned about the future of “the present world order.” For example, journalist Nancy Brown cited economist Ezra Misham as saying concerning growth in education and income: “[It has] not brought social betterment. Along with the growth in science, education and material goods, society has seen a growth in violence, delinquency, petty crime, vandalism, homicide and suicide, vulgarity and obscenity.” Significant indeed was this newspaper article’s opening statement: “Only Divine intervention can save the world from destroying itself.”​—Times-Colonist, Victoria, British Columbia, March 25, 1982.

8. Why not get all we can out of this world?

⁸ Of course, Jehovah created the earth to be inhabited, not by unrighteous human society, but by righteous, perfect humans. (Isaiah 45:18; Psalm 37:29, 38) So God will not allow humankind to destroy itself. But there is no doubt that this old world order soon will pass away completely. Therefore, dedicated servants of Jehovah should not use the world “to the full.” Or as one version puts it: “While you use the world, don’t try to get out of it all you can, since this world in its present form is passing away.”​—1 Corinthians 7:31, The New Testament in the Language of Today, by William F. Beck.

Use This World At All?

9. (a) To what extent can Jehovah’s people properly use this world? (b) In view of Matthew 6:31-33 and 1 Timothy 6:7, 8, what attitude should we have toward material things?

⁹ As Jehovah’s dedicated witnesses, then, is it right for us to get anything out of this world? Yes, Paul indicated that we can use the world but not to the full. Hence, we can use the world’s legitimate provisions in discharging our Scriptural obligations and getting the Kingdom message preached. (1 Timothy 5:8; 6:17-19) Since we wish to remain “without spot from the world,” however, we cannot properly get involved in its controversies, protest marches, cold and hot wars or similar affairs. Not even secretly should we favor one side over another. Nor should we be unduly concerned about our livelihood and material prosperity, for Jesus said: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” And Jesus practiced what he preached, for although foxes have dens and birds have roosts, he had nowhere to lay his head. May we, therefore, be content with sustenance and covering while “seeking first the kingdom.”​—Matthew 6:31-33; Luke 9:58; 1 Timothy 6:7, 8.

10. Concerning education, what questions merit prayerful thought, and how would you answer them?

¹⁰ What, then, about a worldly career? Well, since this world will pass away in our day, would it be reasonable to plan on a life devoted to secular advancement? (Matthew 24:34) Hardly! And surely this outlook would affect our attitude toward worldly education, would it not? Although a basic education is needed, in schools of higher learning it is nearly impossible to escape being swept along with the prevailing tide of worldly thinking. Of course, personal decisions must be made regarding education. (Galatians 6:5) But such questions as the following merit prayerful thought: During years spent in universities, have students also been able to ‘keep seeking first the Kingdom and Jehovah’s righteousness’? Are they totally unaffected by the theories and philosophies that undermine true faith? (Colossians 2:8) Have worldly associates had a good influence on them, or has it been spiritually detrimental? (1 Corinthians 15:33) And have many highly educated individuals really maintained humility?​—Philippians 2:2, 3.

11. Despite the nature of a person’s education, what help is here provided in testing motives?

¹¹ For that matter, some who go to trade schools can become so immersed in a profession that they no longer have much time to spend in the service of Jehovah. Hence, whatever is the nature of the education, much depends on the person’s motives. Is a desire for independence and riches the prime factor? Will the education result in a drastic reduction of service to Jehovah or will it help to sustain you in sacred service? Though a Christian who should remain unspotted by the world, are you instead trying to carve out a niche for yourself in this system of things or are you actually absorbed in keeping Kingdom interests first in life?

12. What has moved some highly educated individuals to embrace Kingdom truth?

¹² We are pleased that some highly educated individuals have embraced Kingdom truth. But they did not do so because of their higher education. Rather, they came to the realization that, in spite of their advanced education, life was meaningless because they were without God and a sure hope. Now they know that ‘not many wise, powerful and noble’ have divine approval. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) Yet, they themselves are delighted that, at last, they have found a real purpose in life as witnesses of Jehovah.

“The Commercial Businesses of Life”

13. Second Timothy 2:3, 4 suggests what concerning business pursuits and the dedicated Christian?

¹³ Since we want to remain uncontaminated by this world, what attitude should we have toward its business pursuits? Well, the apostle Paul told Timothy: “As a fine soldier of Christ Jesus take your part in suffering evil. No man serving as a soldier involves himself in the commercial businesses of life, in order that he may gain the approval of the one who enrolled him as a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) Christians must work and make honest provision for themselves and their families. But would it not be strange if a dedicated Christian were to be spoken of primarily as a business executive instead of a minister? Should he not, first of all, be known as a Kingdom proclaimer and “a fine soldier of Christ Jesus”?

14. How might Hebrews 13:18 be applied to our business dealings?

¹⁴ In business situations, then, self-examination is needed in various ways. For one thing, the fact that we may be dealing with selfish worldly people furnishes no excuse for adopting their sharp, dishonest practices and their bad language. Rather, we must “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) True, we may not receive reciprocal treatment from hardened business people of this world. But we may be sure that Jehovah will bless us for our honest course, and this is one way we can “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God.”​—Titus 2:9, 10.

15. What Scriptural counsel is given regarding personal business ventures?

¹⁵ As those desiring to remain uncontaminated by this world, we should “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) But we would not be doing this if we selfishly promoted some personal business venture by using our acquaintance with God’s people to make a profit from them. Of course, Christians should ‘walk as wise persons.’ (Ephesians 5:15) The fact that someone called a brother comes to us with a get-rich-quick scheme should be no reason for us to be easily persuaded to part with our money. With good reason God’s organization occasionally has warned against those who profess to be our spiritual brothers, but who seek to take undue advantage of Jehovah’s “sheep.”

Unworldly in Every Way

16. What are some ways to demonstrate that we are remaining “without spot from the world”?

¹⁶ Obviously, we cannot cite every way in which Jehovah’s Witnesses demonstrate that they are remaining “without spot from the world.” Surely, however, overindulging in alcoholic beverages, reveling in highly competitive or violent sports activities, spending hours watching movies or television programs that feature gangsters, murderers, and other immoral characters, reading sex-drenched books and playing violent video games are not ways to stay unspotted by this world. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33; Galatians 5:19-26; 1 Peter 4:3) Jehovah expects his witnesses to avoid the excesses, immorality and violence of this world. So we should not seek knowledge of or experience in worldly wickedness but should be innocent “babes as to badness.”​—1 Corinthians 14:20; compare 1 John 3:2, 3.

17. How should our being unspotted by the world affect our relations with others?

¹⁷ Being unspotted by this world extends to every aspect of our life and certainly involves our relations with others. Whereas such traits as bitter jealousy, contentiousness, bragging and lying are so common in this world, they have no place among us, for James wrote: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is the earthly, animal, demonic. For where jealousy and contentiousness are, there disorder and every vile thing are.” (James 3:13-16) How important it is to manifest “a mildness that belongs to wisdom” and to “pursue peace with all people”! (Hebrews 12:14) Surely, as loyal witnesses of Jehovah, we cannot permit mere personal differences to ruin our relationship with our brothers and sisters in the faith. Instead, we must ‘put up with one another and be forgiving, even as Jehovah has freely forgiven us.’ (Colossians 3:13) That is not the common worldly way of dealing with others, but it is the godly way.

18. Our separateness from the world is especially evident when we do what?

¹⁸ Pursuing peace with people inside and outside the Christian congregation is a significant way to show that we are not spotted by this world. But our separateness from it is especially evident when we maintain our stand as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ, fully clothed in spiritual armor from God and having our “feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace.” (Ephesians 6:11-18) Multitudes still hunger and thirst for the life-giving Kingdom message. May we, therefore, unselfishly use our possessions, faculties and strength in the grand work of proclaiming the “good news” during the short time yet remaining until this system ends.​—Matthew 24:14.

19. What can we expect Satan to do in these fleeting last days, but what will we succeed in doing with divine help?

¹⁹ In these fleeting last days, Satan, the god of this world, will make further onslaughts upon us as Jehovah’s loyal witnesses. The Devil will, in a last-ditch effort to turn us aside from sacred service to our God, flaunt the world’s material riches, its gaudy attractions, its higher education and much more. But with unfailing divine help we will succeed in remaining “without spot from the world” to the praise of our holy God, Jehovah.