Do you ever feel like you’re living in a bubble – a vacuum – and encased shelter that was designed to keep all the evil from ever getting to you? Over the past couple years, we’ve been forced into our own private bubbles. The trouble with living in such a state is that we can still look outside and see all the ugliness of the world around us. Another problem with bubble dwelling is that the bubble is very fragile and can easily be broken. Leaving us even more vulnerable than before.

Jesus told His followers to separate themselves from the darkness of this world and walk into the light – to use Him as a guiding beacon. The imagery of His everlasting light is comforting, for through it we will never walk in darkness again. Jesus guides us through the muck of life and protects us from what the world has to throw at us. 

Bubbles can be beautiful. Children are usually fascinated by the way they float easily through the air, capturing the light from around them, but they soon see that a bubble doesn’t last. It dissolves into nothingness as quickly as it was created.

We can shield ourselves from a virus by wearing a mask or being vaccinated. We can stay free from a disease by isolating ourselves. Something as insidious as sin is like a bacteria that filters through any kind of barrier. So living in a bubble isn’t really the answer. We still have to live in this world and observe the corruption – see the inhumanity – suffer the pangs of bureaucracy – watching as humanity is swallowed up by immorality and hatred.  Or we can call on our God – the One and only force that can protect us from the source of evil.  He is our fortress.  His walls will never fall down.  He will defend the faithful through this life and the next.

From our first breath until our last, we will live as an inhabitant of the world.  We can give in to it or pray that God will instill the confidence not to become a part of it. 

Romans 12:2  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”