Worldliness: April 10, 2013

Today's Word for Wednesday April 10 2013

WORLDLINESS

DEFINITION:

Pertaining to this world as contrasted to heaven; devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests or pleasures of this world; the world's value system.

SCRIPTURE:

And Jesus said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above, You are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23.

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In this modern day age of telecommunication we can hear and see what is happening in all parts of the world almost instantly right in the comfort of our own home. Unfortunately, what we see of the world on television and hear on the radio is more evils of the world than the good of the world.

It is very easy for a person to succumb to the evils of this world. It is a constant temptation because evil is made to look so glamorous and enticing by the evil one. Satan is continually looking for weaknesses in our daily living and uses the enticement of worldliness so that he can woo us away from our love for the Lord. The satisfaction that comes from worldliness is here today and gone tomorrow.

Worldliness is temporary and superficial to say the least. The happiness and the excitement that worldliness brings may sometimes be thrilling but only for a short time. Worldliness captivates you by bright lights, great promises and the glitter of being popular. You can meet friends when you are involved in worldly activities but soon you will find out that those friendships are shallow and temporary.

In Luke 15: 11-32 we read the well known account of the prodigal son. This son, the youngest of his sons, asked his father for his portion of his inheritance and then left home, journeying to a far away country, for the life of worldliness that he desired and thought he must have. The scripture says that soon he wasted all his possessions (his inheritance) with wild living. He ended up with nothing: no food, no friends and nowhere to stay.

The son had to hit the very bottom before he could see the futility and hopelessness of worldly living.

Jesus in this parable tells of the son coming home, repenting and being accepted by his father who welcomed him back with a great feast and celebration. What wonderful hope and assurance there is in the message of this parable for those who have reached the point of despair in living a life of worldliness. Our Heavenly Father is waiting with welcoming arms for all who repent of their worldliness and come to Him.

Look with us at several verses from the Bible concerning worldliness as we know it today and what God has for us in its place. In John 15:18-19 Jesus tells us, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world (worldliness), the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world (as a believer in Jesus), but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

God calls believers to leave worldliness behind. Once we become a believer we can no longer live according to the world's value system, therefore the world will hate us because we live by a higher standard --- God's standard.

Worldliness is a real problem for new believers. They are easily tempted by Satan to want to hold on to some of their worldly sinful pursuits. John tells us in I John 2:15-17 that this will not work. John says. "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world." There is no middle ground. When any believer genuinely loves the Lord the evil ways of the world will no longer appeal to him or her. The things of the world will pass away. Verse 17 tells us that whoever does the will of God lives forever. What a wonderful promise!

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1

Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

PRAYER:

Help each of us in our family to be able to distinguish clearly the difference between worldly ideas and spiritual ideas. Help us not to be tempted by Satan's bright lights and glamour. Make our family instruments of blessing that You can use to bring honor and glory to Your name.