This world is constantly telling us what’s right and what’s wrong, what to think, and how to act.
The world says things like:
- Look out for number one.
- If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
- If it feels good, do it!
- Money is the key to happiness.
- Do whatever you have to do to get ahead.
- Don’t get mad, get even!
These ideas may seem right, but as Proverbs 14: 12 warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Christ’s teachings are often the exact opposite of the world’s.
In the world, but not of it.
In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul writes, “Do 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–his good, pleasing and perfect will.“
As Christians, we’re not supposed to just go along with what the world says. Christ is our example, and we should strive to mimic Him. The non-Christian should see a stark contrast between themselves and us.
It’s all about me!
Some people practically worship themselves. Often these people are beautiful, talented, and wealthy, and they see themselves as superior. Many professional athletes and Hollywood stars fall into this category, and they are held up as examples of what success looks like. The world celebrates them.
Most of us aren’t quite that full of ourselves, but pride is still a big factor in our lives. We like to feel important, we want others to take notice of us, and it’s all too easy for us to look down on people who aren’t as “good’ as we are.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
James 4:6
But Jesus was different. Over and over again He demonstrated genuine humility. He didn’t come to be served, but instead He came to serve. His time on Earth was spent ministering to the sick, the poor, the forgotten, and the lost. He was God, and yet he didn’t treat anyone as if they were beneath Him!
The world defines greatness in terms of accomplishments, but Jesus said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mathew 20:26) We are instructed to follow Christ’s example, putting others before ourselves.
Money, money, money, MO-NEY!
There’s nothing the world celebrates more than wealth. We’re told that the real winners in life are the ones with the biggest houses, the fanciest cars, and the most luxurious lifestyles. Many people spend their entire lives in pursuit of more money.
But the Bible tells us that money is not what we should desire most. King Solomon had more wealth than most people can imagine, yet in the book of Ecclesiastes, he confesses that his wealth did not bring him satisfaction. He also points out that whoever loves money never has enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Jesus said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ” (Mathew 6:19). Jesus wants us to aim for something higher. He said to His disciples:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. “
Mathew 6:19-20
We are not to be obsessed with material wealth. We are to be like the Apostle Paul who said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11). If we have food, water, and shelter, we have enough.
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
The desire for revenge is built into us. When someone wrongs us, we want to get even. We want to hurt them like they hurt us. Just think about how many movies and television shows have revenge as the central plot.
But Jesus said, if someone slaps you on the right cheek, give them your left. If they sue you for your shirt, give them your coat too. His words in Mathew chapter five are stunning:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Mathew 5:43-44
I can’t think of a more radical departure from the teachings of the world than that! We’re told not just to forgive our enemies, but to love them.
Why bother?
Living a Christian life means being different from the world. Putting others first, pursuing the things of Heaven instead of the things of Earth, loving our enemies. These things are foreign to our sinful nature.
But as Christians we have a new nature. The nature of Christ. When we act in accordance with our new nature, we point people to Jesus, and that is our ultimate purpose while we are here on this Earth!
So always remember that you are a child of God. Don’t act like this world because you are not of this world.
