Avoiding Worldliness

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world.”- 1 John 2:15-16 NLT

                  When we think of worldliness, we think of external behavior … like, who we hang with, where we go, what we like to do, but it is also on the inside because it begins in our hearts. The word ‘craving’ is a ‘burning desire’. Something that can consume us if we allow it to. It isn’t just a desire for physical pleasure, but a preoccupation with gratifying those physical pleasures. It isn’t just a desire for things, but a covetous attitude toward acquiring things … it’s called ‘materialism’. To covet to ‘long for’ or ‘thirst for’, as a desperately thirsty person longs for cool water.

                  It was all three of these areas that Satan, in serpent form, tempted Eve or when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. God places high value on self-control, a generous spirit and being a humble servant to others within and outside God’s family. The world is crazy inconsistent. Nothing ever stays the same for long. If you doubt that see how long until your Apple iPhone is outdated. 

                  The Kingdom of God espouses values that are important to us or at least they should be. When following the statutes of God we are also to seek spending time with sinners, while not allowing the world’s values to overshadow Kingdom values. Commit to turning your back to that which the worldly seek and desire. Remember, all things this side of heaven are temporal, “a chasing after the wind”. ^{[Ecclesiastes 1:14]} Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries