Where in the World Am I?

Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”  I John 2:15

Have you ever stopped to think what it means to love the world?  I have.  Unfortunately, it tends to happen during a season that I am under conviction because I have begun to look at what everybody has and what all I want. 

Our culture is geared toward identifying what you want in life and going for it.  Media makes us feel like the worldly things are “must-have’s” for everyone.  You deserve it; and in fact, you are nothing without it. If you do not have the latest Smartphone; iPod; flat screen TV; or flashy new car, you are a “nobody.”  Christians live in the same world as everybody else. We are all hearing the same messages and humanistic ideals.  If we are not careful, we can become as guilty as someone who does not know Christ in coveting all the world has to offer.

Many times the offerings of the world are polar opposites to the righteous decrees of God’s Word.  The world says you deserve to be treated right, give your spouse an ultimatum and find someone who will love you like you deserved to be loved.  The Bible says that God hates divorce.  The world says that it is normal, and in fact healthy, to have many intimate partners.  The Bible calls all such relationships outside of marriage, sin.  The world says look out for number one; the Bible says love your neighbor as yourself.

Though we live in the world, the Bible teaches we are not of the world.  Are you uncomfortable living here?  If not, you may be living too close to the world.  Are you wearing all the latest styles?  Do you read all the same parenting books?  It may be time to re-evaluate your choices.

The Lord does not want us to be different just to be whacky hold-outs in society.  He expects us to be different so that people will have an opportunity to encounter God in this world.  People need to see us, admire us and want what we have.  To turn from the world does not mean you begin to hate everyone who has a different opinion.  It does not mean you preach at everyone about what they are doing wrong.

This world is our mission field.  We need to work at finding ways to build relationship with people who are different than us.  Jesus sat and ate with sinners.  But he was strong enough to not allow the world to influence him.  Rather, he influenced the world. 

If you are like me, there is a lot of room for improvement in this area.  Every now and then, it is prudent to take stock of where you are, where you are going, and what things in life matter to you.  God does not mind us having nice things, pretty clothes, or cool gadgets.  As the saying goes, we can have those things as long as they do not have us!

Dear Lord, please forgive me for adopting the attitudes of the world and for desiring the things the world has to offer.  Help me be satisfied with all the good gifts you give me.  Help me be a person of impact in the lives of others.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri