Possibly one of the greatest temptations for Christians is to become enamored and captivated with the world in which we live. Worldliness is surely a sin that will take many Christians to a devil’s hell when eternity dawns. John’s admonition was so clear. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love 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 pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of the Father abideth forever” (1 John 2:15-17). Through the pen of the apostle John, the Holy Spirit set forth five important points for our consideration.
The Prohibition: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…” The “world,” as is used here, refers to the sphere of evil that is so very present on this terrestrial ball. Sin abounds all around us, and it seems as though little good and few righteous things are part of this world today. The “prince of the power of the air” certainly has left his sinful mark upon much of what we encounter every day!
The Possibility: “…if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Some flirt with this world as though they could never fall from Christ. It is very possible for any Christian (regardless of the role in which he or she serves—elders, deacons, preachers, etc.) to fall in love with the world and its influence. Sadly, some Christians even defend worldliness as though it is not all that harmful. I remember numerous “debates” with those who have been redeemed attempting to defend social drinking, sinful movies and TV shows, as well as other worldly practices. Are we trying to see how close we can live to standards of the world and still go to Heaven?
The Power: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” The three avenues of sin listed here are the ways by which Satan makes the world look appealing. This is not a new method, but rather, it is as old as Eden itself (Genesis 3:1-6). Satan even used this same method, but to no avail, on our Lord (Matthew 4:1-11). Is there a powerful draw in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life? Ask the children who are now the product of a divorced home because dad just “couldn’t help himself” with his female coworker. Ask the frazzled wife whose husband is addicted to pornography whether these avenues are powerful. Ask the drunkard who struggles every day because of his addiction to alcohol and drugs. Worldly influence is powerful, and we are foolish, at best, if we do not recognize its influence!
The Pain: “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof…” Falling in love with the world will never bring reward or joy! Somehow Satan has duped so many today into thinking that living a life of corruption is where life is at its best. False! Living a life ruled by Satan and the world is a life that will end in misery and destruction—not some of the time, but all of the time. A person who loves the world will always suffer pain and affliction and have nowhere soothing to turn! “Where could I go but to the Lord…”!
The Prize: “…but he that doeth the will of the Father abideth forever.” Living in opposition to the world ends in joy and peace. Christians are thankful to not belong to this world, neither are they sad that they do not fit here. Darkness hates light, and so, those who are doing the will of the Father should not be surprised when the world persecutes and hates them (John 15:18-19; 16:33; et al.). Heaven is our true home; this world is not. We are sojourners and pilgrims longing for our eternal home prepared by our Father and made possible by His Son.
Are you friendly with the world? Do you flirt with sin and the darkness of Satan? God calls us out of that darkness into His marvelous light (Colossians 1:13). Christians, we plead with each one to not love the world. Learn to despise sin and its influence. Take a stand against immorality and evil. There is a choice before each accountable person—the fleeting world or the eternal way. Choose carefully because your soul depends upon it!
