My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.John 17:15-16

Looking at our scriptural text above, one would want to ask, "Why did Jesus say such a prayer to His Father-- our Heavenly Father?

Doesn't He want us to get into heaven-- a place of eternal rest?

Why are we here, at whatever location we are, perhaps in Nigeria, California, UK, America, or any other part of the word?

To the first question, Christ was certainly not cynical about such a prayer. In fact, that was a purposeful prayer birthed out of love-- one that is everyone needs to personally experience.

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What Next After? To Die Or Live For Others?

Many of us know what salvation is. As it were, the salvation experience is a life-changing experience for anyone; one experience that the host of the Heavenly is extremely joyous about.

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."(Luke 15:7)

But after salvation, the question above becomes inherent.

What Next After? To Die Or Live For Others?

What's Next? This is a question that thousands of students who graduate from the university or colleges ask themselves, or are being asked by others. Fine, they have graduated and earned a bachelor's degree, but the question about the next step of action is very important that it cannot be avoided.

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Similarly, as believers, we must recognise the fact that the salvation experience is not an end in itself. It is a means through which can live in the fullness of Him.

Now, let's go back to John 17:14...

Jesus through His prayer was trying to let us know that we are alive and where we are-- the location we are in the map of the world; to reconcile others (the unbelievers) back to Him. Simply put, we were saved to save others.

The apostle Paul said...

1. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
2. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
3. I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
4. but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
5. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
6. so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

What an understanding! Paul had. One that is only engineered by the Holy Spirit Himself.

We Are The Light Of The World.

1. "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
2. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
3. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
   Matt. 5:14-16

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Undoubtedly, every one of us has a purpose why we are here; why God allowed you and I to come. this world through our parents. It wasn't accidental, but it will be a "fatal accident" if one not come to the understanding that God wants us to let His light shine through us and in us.

Fine, not everybody will be a pastor, a school teacher, banker, an entrepreneur, a writer, or as the case may be. But in whatever career, we have been convinced to pursue, we must always remember that we are in such sphere of influence to make God's light shine through our lives. What we preach as believers should not be inconsistent with what we act or practice.

Conclusion

All that we have said will be a mere fantasy without the Holy Spirit in one's life.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1.12)
Without Him, we can't really show forth His marvelous light and kingdom to others.

Love you,
@degreatmyke