John 17:16
“They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.”
What does John 17:16 mean?
Jesus is speaking about his followers, saying they belong to a different kingdom now—one that operates by God's values rather than the world's values of power, money, and status. Just as Jesus himself wasn't ultimately defined by earthly systems or pressures, neither are those who truly follow him. This doesn't mean we physically leave earth or ignore what happens here, but rather that our deepest loyalty and identity rest with God instead. It's an encouragement that when you feel out of step with the world around you, especially in how people treat each other or what they chase after, that disconnection might actually be a sign you're rooted in something truer.