In the world, but not of the world

The exact phrase "In the world, but not of the world" is not found in the bible, but it is a truism nonetheless.

It was best described to me as a sailing ship at sea.

As christians, we are a ship in a see of humanity. We are in the world (floating), but not of the world (the water).

We need to be careful not to let the world work its way into us, as that would sink our testimony.

While we should go where the wind takes us (the Holy Spirit), we also have control over the rudder, and can try to steer against the wind.

While we should follow the direction of the compass (the bible), we are not automatons who are obliged to do so.