On Friday, we looked at the issue of love for the world and how it is incompatible with a love for God. The two are distinct opposites and should not co-exist. Yet we know living as Christians is a tough challenge when the temptations and desires of the world constantly surround us. Today we are going to look at how we resist and avoid loving the world.
Some Christians would say that the best way is to take the example of the Amish and establish set apart Christian communities and shut out the world. I don’t believe this is the answer. A well-known phrase within Christian circles is, "Be in the world, but not of the world". It refers to what Jesus said as recorded by John in his gospel, John 15:19 and John 17:14-16. This concept is also talked about later in the New Testament by Paul (see: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:1).
The first step of resisting worldliness it to know who we are. When we put our faith in Jesus we are freed from the slavery of sin and we are no longer ruled by Satan, but we submit to God. As Christians we are free from living the way of this world because it is no longer where we find our identity or value. Now as children of God those things come from God. This is why John, before telling believers not to love the world, reminds them of who they are. John calls them little ones, by which he is indicating our membership in God’s family that we gain entry to through Jesus. The very fact that we are part of God’s family, sharing His nature, ought to discourage Christians from becoming friends with the world. However, although we begin as little children that is not where we are to remain. Just as we physically grow from children to adults we are to grow spiritually. As we grow spiritually, we become more like Jesus and less like the world. We see the world for what it truly is and the desires for the world wain in comparison to becoming like Jesus.
The second motivation John gives us for not loving the world is a reminder of where the world is going. The world, John says, is passing away. The things of this world are temporary and fleeting so why trust in them? The Bible tells us that God is the same yesterday as He is today and as He will be forever. When you put your trust in Jesus you have an everlasting hope and joy. Why ever settle for something that will spoil and perish.
These reasons are all good in theory but how as believers do we practically avoid falling into the trap of worldliness?
Increasingly, I admire the faith and godliness of my Grandad. As a child growing up, I used to sometimes think he could lighten up a bit but in hindsight his desire to grow in his likeness of Christ day by day is a lasting memory of him. His devotion to the word of God was amazing and his faith in God encompassed every aspect of his life. With every decision he took, in the small things as well as the big things, he asks the question, ‘What would God want me to do?’ This is a lesson for us, to avoid worldliness. The first step is to have a personal, intimate relationship with God so that He is the first place we turn not the last.
We now live in a culture of 24/7 entertainment. We can spend weeks watching films on Netflix, days reading fiction books, hours trawling through social media. All of these things alter and effect the way we think about the world and what is right and wrong. If we want to avoid worldliness creeping into our lives, then we need to ensure that we spend time deepening our relationship with God. That comes through reading the Bible and prayer. As we do that, it is God’s word that shapes our thinking not the world. It will be God’s will that shapes our actions not the world. When God’s word loses its priority in your life you start a slippery slope towards worldliness and away from God.
This is the reason that a sabbath is important. As humans we don’t just need physical rest, we need spiritual rest. It’s a day to focus on God and put aside the distractions of this world. Taking a sabbath day reminds us of our need for God. It’s a day to unplug from the world and to prioritise God. It’s a day in which we should be reminded of who God is and that He is in control of our lives. It’s a day a week in which we reorder and check the priorities of our lives.
We have to question everything to ask if it is beneficial and edifying to our lives and walk with God. God intended us to enjoy life but within His design. He wants us to laugh and have fun but not at the expense of our relationship with Him. So, as you choose a film, pick a book, listen to music, select an outfit, ask the question, ‘Is this how God would want me to spend my time?’ We are called to be in the world so enjoy the amazing gifts God has given us but use them to point you back to God rather than draw you away from Him.
Finally, when we are born again, we are born into a new family. We have brothers and sisters in Christ so use those who have grown from little children to adults to help you grow. That will mean sharing your life and being open and honest with others, but it will be worth it as in love they seek to point you to Christ and away from the world.
As Christians, we are God’s workmanship created for good works that God has prepared for us. So, we cannot hide away and live in Christian bubbles. God wants us in the world to bring light into the darkness, to seek to transform the culture we live in for God’s glory and honour. If the light disappears, darkness takes over. But as we seek to be light in the darkness, we need to constantly check the darkness isn’t putting out our light.
If you want to explore this topic more, I recommend two books:
· Worldliness: Resisting the seduction of a fallen world by C J Mahaney
· Plugged in by Daniel Strange
Prayer for today
Loving Heavenly Father,
We ask today that you would show us where we are loving the world and not loving you. Thank you that you sent your Son into this world to save us. May we be so captivated by your love that the desires of this world grow increasingly dim in comparison.
We ask that today you will use us to shine you light into the darkness around us. Give us boldness and courage to speak of you to those we know who don’t yet know you.
We ask all this in Jesus’s name,
Amen
Song for today
You can listen and sing along here.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
A the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold
Not a might would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Every power as You choose
Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee
Here am I, all of me
Take my life, it's all for Thee
Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash
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