Living for a World Beyond This One

Hebrews 11:38 is one of the most touching lines in all of Scripture. The verse says:

“The world was not worthy of them.” (Hebrews 11:38, NLT)

This statement comes at the end of what’s often called the “Faith Hall of Fame”—a chapter that lists people like Abraham, Moses, Noah, and others who lived by faith. The author of Hebrews describes how many of these faithful followers of God suffered deeply—some were persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for their faith.

So when it says “the world was not worthy of them,” here’s what it means:

1. They Lived by Heaven’s Values, Not the World’s

These people chose faith, righteousness, and obedience to God over worldly success, comfort, or approval. Their lives were marked by integrity and trust in God, even when the world rejected them.The “world” — meaning the sinful, unbelieving systems and people opposed to God — didn’t understand their worth because it doesn’t value what God values.

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you… for this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.” (1 John 2:15–17, NLT)

2. They Were People Who Didn’t Belong Here

These faithful ones knew that this world wasn’t their home. Earlier in Hebrews 11, it says:

“They were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland.” (Hebrews 11:16, NLT)

In other words, their true citizenship was in heaven (Philippians 3:20). They were “too good for this world” because their hearts were set on God’s kingdom, not on earthly treasures or recognition.

3. They Reflected God’s Character in a Corrupt World

When people live with faith, humility, love, and righteousness, they stand in sharp contrast to the darkness around them. Their goodness exposes the world’s brokenness.Just as Jesus was rejected by the world because of His holiness, so too were these faithful ones.

“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV)

4. God Honors Them, Even if the World Does Not

While the world may have despised, ignored, or persecuted them, God saw their faith and counted them as heroes. The world wasn’t worthy of them — not because they were perfect, but because their faith made them extraordinary in God’s eyes.

This is a powerful reminder that God’s approval matters far more than human recognition.

What It Means for Us Today

This verse reminds us that living for God may not make sense to the world. Following Christ often means swimming against the current — choosing forgiveness over revenge, humility over pride, and faith over fear. But when we live that way, God sees it. He values it. And He reminds us that our home isn’t here — it’s with Him.

“Great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12, NLT)

Hebrews 11:38 is God’s way of saying, “The world didn’t deserve these people who lived with such faith, courage, and devotion to Me.”And when we live by faith today, even when the world doesn’t understand, we walk in that same legacy — people who are “too good for this world,” because our hearts belong to another one.

Have questions or concerns about this topic? Send me a message—I’d be happy to continue the conversation with you.