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The Proper Proportion

Do not love the world or the things in the world. 1 John 2:15

Christians are warned not to love the world--but what is worldliness? Some have misunderstood it. Worldliness is an attitude, a spirit, an atmosphere that permeates the whole of human society. It is an attitude that puts self first and ignores God and His commandments. Its horizon is this present world, and it never gives a thought to God or to eternity. Worldliness exhibits itself in a thousand different ways--in habits, in selfish pleasures, in a grasping for material things, in driving ambition, in exalting oneself at the expense of others.

We nust avoid everything God has labeled sinful; of that there can be no doubt. But some elements of daily life aren't necessarily sinful in themselves; they only become sinful if they are abused. Pleasure isn't always wrong-unless it is abused. Ambition is an essential part of true character--but, abused, it can destroy us.

Be on guard, lest a spirit of worldliness creep into your life. The Bible warns, "Do not love the world or the things in the world."

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.