In the World but not of It.

In my opinion, Dallas Willard is one of the greatest thinkers that are currently alive. When I read his thoughts, I feel like a welter weight in the ring with a heavy weight. I can only take it for a few minutes, but it sure is interesting! This morning, I was reading Willard’s insights on some verses from John, chapter 17:

“Being in the world for Christ today. In but not of. This is an interesting distinction. Think of a desert landscape. Dust and dryness as far as you can see. But right in the middle of it a spring of water bubbles up, forming a pool of life and refreshment for all who come by. Now the spring and the pool are in the desert but they are not of it. They do not partake of the nature of the desert but of rain and snow and limpid streams on far away mountains that feed the springs through hidden passageways in the earth.” (by Dallas Willard)

How can we be life-giving, nourishing streams in the desert without drying out? Some of the water in a desert stream will evaporate in the heat. Some will be used up by plants, animals, and people. Surface water that comes from occasional rain and fog can collect in pools and reserves just below the surface. This can be a useful source in the short-term. Yet, unless the source of a stream is an underground aquifer with a source far from the desert, it will eventually dry up. Similarly, if we depend on earthly resources, it’s just a matter of time before we run out or get used up by the world. If we are to be sustainable, we must be fed by an eternal source.