Worldliness

 

ÒLove 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.Ó (1 John 2:15)

 

What is worldliness? Religionists say that it is worldly to dress according to the fashion of the times, to wear your hair in a given way, to wear a beard, or to drink a glass of wine.

 

The PhariseeÕs rule is, ÒTouch not, taste not, handle not.Ó These commandments and doctrines of men are satisfying to the flesh, and they make a show of humility; but Paul calls this Òwill worshipÓ (Colossians 2:23) and Òthe doctrines of devilsÓ (I Timothy 4:1). And he warns us to shun these things.

 

The Lord Jesus dressed according to the fashion of the common man in his day. He wore a seamless robe and sandals, like all other men. Our Savior wore his hair much longer than modern styles, and he wore a beard, according to the custom of his day. Jesus of Nazareth drank wine with his disciples, and turned water into wine at the marriage feast of Cana. Was the Son of God worldly? Perish the thought!

 

Men look upon the outward appearance. They place great stock in a manÕs outward dress and conduct. By these things they determine who are and who are not worldly, who are and who are not the people of God. But God has no regard for such things. Our Lord made it plain that it is not what a man wears, or eats, or drinks that reflects his relationship with God. Rather, it is his heart attitude.

 

What is worldliness? It is the love of the world. Be sure that you do not love the world. ÒIf any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.Ó Do not allow your heart to become fondly attached to this world, neither its people nor its pleasures, neither its fame nor its fortunes, neither its success nor its security. ÒLove not the world.Ó It is perishing. Everything in it is marked for destruction. But ÒSet your affection on things above,Ó even Jesus Christ and the riches of glory and grace in Him.

 

            Worldliness is an undue attachment to this world. It is living for this world, its riches, its honor, its joys and its cares. It is living by the principles of this world: greed, covetousness, deceit and lasciviousness. Godliness is living for God. It is living as unto the Lord, for His honor and glory. It is living by love and faith toward God as He is revealed in Christ. Godliness is living in submission to the Lord our God.

 

Are you a worldly person, one who lives for this world? If so, you will surely perish with this world. Are you a godly person, one who lives by the grace of God and for the glory of God? If so, you will live for all eternity in the bliss of ChristÕs heavenly kingdom.

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

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