Key Text: "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14 KJV 

Water Lilies typically grow in very shallow, muddy, or miry water. Just like the water lily which stands out white and beautiful in miry water, it is also possible for the believer to exude purity in this filthy world. Although the believer is in the world, they are not of the world. Jesus said: They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world - John 17:16. Beloved, you are there to shine and light up the dark world around you. Always remember that light is stronger than darkness.

The people of the world are worldly and manifest the works of the flesh namely, adultery, fornication, hatred, anger, envying, murders, drunkenness and revelling to mention but a few. Because God's children are not of the world, they are expected to be different by bearing the fruit of righteousness in the world. No matter how filthy an envi-ronment may be, genuine children of God will always stand out like the lily in the mire: they will never conform to the worldly standards around them.

Samuel was different, even though he grew up together with the two notorious sons of Eli. Daniel was raised in a foreign country among unbelieving youths, but he purposed in his heart, not to defile himself. You have no excuse to compromise; you are not permitted to entangle yourself with the affairs of this life. Beloved, you are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world. You must never follow a multitude to do evil.

Prayer: O Lord, let my life preach Jesus Christ with conviction to the unbelievers around me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection: And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness - 1 John 5:19.