other worldly

When we hear the term 'other-worldly', images of little green men in flying saucers come to mind... when we use the phrase 'out of this world', we are usually referring to something special....

When Jesus talks in these terms, He is describing Himself and His kingdom.

John records one such exchange in the 8th chapter of his gospel....while talking to followers and critics, Jesus tells them "I am not of this world", in an attempt to emphasize the difference between them and Him. "You are of this world." He is exhorting them to think beyond the trappings and limitations of their physical surroundings...

Later in the same record (in the middle of the 18th chapter), John describes the scene between Jesus and Pilate... The governor is questioning Jesus, trying to decide what to do with Him. As Pilate questions Him about His kingship and His kingdom, he gets more and more uneasy and confused (who IS this guy?), Jesus finally tells him: "My kingdom is not of this world".

As we aspire to imitate Jesus, our thinking should be on a higher plane. As we mature in Him, our attitude will be painted by this 'kingdom' theology. We will start to see things differently, because we will begin to understand that this world is not our home....

And, as we do, things and prestige and stuff and appearance and money will mean less and less.... and the souls of people will become our obsession... and leading those souls to Christ will become our passion.

All because our Example is out of this world!