12th June 2025

Worldliness

Do not be conformed to this world . . .  

 Romans 12:2

Today's Bible Reading:  12:1-2 & 9-21.

Worldliness is a term not used much anymore, but nevertheless is misunderstood. While certain elements of daily life are not sinful in themselves, many of them can lead to sin if abused. Abuse literally means “overuse” or “misuse” of things lawful, which then become sin.

Worldliness is not confined to any particular rank, walk, or circumstance of life. But worldliness is a spirit, an atmosphere, an influence, permeating the whole of human society, and it needs to be guarded against constantly and strenuously. In 1 John 2:15, the Bible says, “Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world.” It also warns that the world will pass away, but the person who does the will of God abides forever (see 1 John 2:17).

Our daily occupation, reading, dress, friendships, and other similar elements of life are all legitimate and necessary, but can easily become illegitimate, harmful, and unnecessary. Making money is necessary for daily living, but it can degenerate into loving money itself, and then the deceitfulness of riches enters in and spoils our spiritual lives.

Taking a stand for Christ does not mean that in society we are snobs or have a superiority complex, lest we be in danger of spiritual pride. But today there are so many professing Christians who are walking hand in hand with the world, making it difficult to tell the difference between the Christian and the person of the world. Our lives must make it plain whom we serve!

Prayer: Father God, help me to live my life soberly, remembering always that people are more important than wealth, money or possessions. Help me to use what I have to serve You. In Jesus name. Amen.