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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In continuing our study of what appears to be contradictory instructions concerning our love of God and our love of family, friends and the world in which we live, let’s look to scripture for clarification.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 For, “…don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4
And yet, “…God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son…” John 3:16, who claimed to be the “…light of the world.” John 8:12; as well as its Savior. (John 7:17) But then later declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 Confused yet?
How could God love the world but command us not to? Why would he equate friendship with the world as hatred of him? How can we be in the world and not part of it? Doesn’t all that set us up for conflict in how we relate to the people of the world, making our witness more difficult? It could. The world may indeed misunderstand us and be unappreciative of our different-ness. At the same time that different-ness – or uniqueness – is what may attract them to us and our Savior as well. Jesus declaring, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19 And then as a result of our not belonging, we are admonished to, “…not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…” Romans 12:2
Are we being told to hate this planet we call earth and the beauty of nature God himself created on it? Are we to disregard our fellowman and do nothing to better his condition? Should we do nothing more than get by while waiting for Christ’s return? Absolutely not! God created the earth for us to appreciate and care for and declared that the entirety of his law depended on the concept of loving him first and foremost, resulting in obedience to his will; which encompasses caring for others as well. (Matthew 22:37-40 & Mark 12:29-31) Maybe defining our concept of the world would be beneficial. John doing just that when he explained, “For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16 The things that drive the world, that motivates the ungodly – the world’s “wisdom” – the standards of this age are the “world”; which is foolishness in God’s sight. (1 Corinthians 3:18,19) This mind-set or world-view being governed by the sin nature or more simply put – selfishness. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful man is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8 Because, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 For, “The sinful nature (or worldview of me first, only and always as opposed to God first, others second, me last) desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:17
We must be ever vigilant and humble as we realize that we all possess or are possessed by a sin nature and that, “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world… All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following it’s desires and thoughts… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” Ephesians 2:1-5 As a result, “You,… are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit,… Therefore… we have an obligation…” to live differently! Romans 8:9,12 For, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified (or suppressed) the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 (The acts of the sinful nature described in Galatians 5:19-21)
Regardless of what happens, we are to, “…conduct (ourselves) in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27; by seeking God and his will first – knowing all we really need will then be given to us. (Matthew 6:33) When we do that, we become a new creature or creation; the old having been replaced by something new. (2 Corinthians 6:17) Granted, this doesn’t come easily, this putting to death of self and our re-creation in Christ-like selflessness. But the pattern has been set – the example lived out. What is required of us is a purposeful intent to follow Christ in all things – enabling us to proclaim with Paul, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14
At one point, Jesus surprised the disciples by honestly discussing the difficulties some would find in, “…enter(ing) the kingdom of God…,” inspiring his disciples to ask, “Who then can be saved?” Mark 10:24-26 The answer simply put is – not the worldly-minded. That’s why Jesus declared, “…many are invited, (the call to salvation being open to everyone) but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14; because so many travel the wide, easily entered way of self-will that leads to destruction, fewer choosing the narrower road of obedience and life in Christ. (Matthew 7:13,14) John concluding that, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17 (See also 1 John 5:5)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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