There’s
a clearly defined distinction highlighted in the bible between the followers of
Jesus and unbelievers in relation to their conduct and way of life 1 John
2:15-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17. Of course, our actions are not the means
of gaining salvation for we are saved by grace through faith which is the gift
of God Ephesians 2:8 but we are in danger of neglecting the need
of obedience, for grace and works beautifully balance. That which is highly
esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of God as innocent or
popular as it may seem Luke16:15.
Consider
a river flowing with banks on either side, the people of God are to stand on
the opposite side from the prevailing practices of the world which make sin
appear unobjectionable.
Some
questions to consider:
Why
is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life?
Because
professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living when we are
dead. But many long for the leeks and onions of Egypt Numbers 11:5. They
have a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as possible and yet
get to heaven. Such climb up some other way. They don’t enter through the
strait gate and narrow way. 1T 131.2
Why
so few are interested in their eternal welfare?
Earth
attracts them, they find enough to engross the mind and have no time to prepare
for heaven. The words, dress and actions should tell for God. Then a holy
influence will be shed upon all and all will take knowledge of them that they
have been with Jesus. If we wish to have our influence tell in favor of the
truth, let us live it out and thus imitate the humble pattern.
Who
is Jesus coming for?
The
pure Matthew 5:8. Those who have been purified and have kept
themselves separate, unspotted from the world, He will own as His. “LORD,
who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh
uprightly, and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Psalms
15:1-2. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirt, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 when we conform to
the world, Jesus is wounded and put to an open shame.
Exhortations to heed
“Love
not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. One who identifies himself with Christ is to
be a peculiar individual, one selected by God from the world for His own
possession Titus 2:14. Friendship
with the world is enmity with God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
world is the enemy of God. James 4:4. “Set your heart in order, lest He
visits you in judgement and the brittle thread of life be cut and you lie down in
the grave unsheltered, unprepared for the judgement Revelation 3:11; 22:12. Or
if ye don’t make your bed in the grave, unless ye soon make your peace with God
and tear yourself from the world, your hearts will grow harder and ye will lean
upon a false prop, a supposed preparation and find out your mistake too late to
secure a well-grounded hope.” 1T 133.3
Practical
solutions to combat worldliness
If
the word of God is cherished as an abiding principle in the heart, and held
fast under all and every circumstance, man is brought, with his entrusted
capabilities, under subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. His undivided powers,
even his thoughts, are brought into captivity to Christ. This is true
sanctification. All the parts of the experience blend in complete harmony. He is
“wanting in nothing.” He does not keep part to himself, to do with just as he
pleases. HP 190.3
We
must have a single eye to God’s glory, a single and persistent purpose to leave
self and preferences of others out of the question…He who truly loves and fears
God, striving with a singleness of purpose to do His will, will place his body,
his mind, his heart, his soul, his strength, under service to God…Those who are
determined to make the will of God their own must serve and please God in
everything. HP 190.4-5
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