The World
      In spite of the fact that people daily relate to the world, few pause to consider what it actually is.  Not only is the world our beloved environment – the earth, sky, and vegetation, but humanity and its styles, attitudes, and customs are major factors.  It is the system of friends, loved ones, possessions and being at home in one's particular society.  A basic natural view of the world is this.  Now with a spiritual orientation the picture is considerably different.
    A notable writer, H.C. Mears wrote, “The world is that system about us or that spirit within us which is blind and deaf to spiritual values and cares nothing for the will of God.” Maybe that means the world has a tendency to promote self-centeredness, prideful attitudes, and moral decline.  At any rate, the peaceful, conservative Spirit of Christ is not always received well by the spirit of the world.  Members of God’s family are often despised, criticized, and ostracized by the world for having Christ’s Spirit and values.  The worldly crowd sees Christians as being strange as indeed they are “Strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”  The epitome of the Christian Spirit, Christ himself, was crucified by the world.  Christ said of his original followers, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”  There are answers to the Christian’s dilemma in the old Book.  Often God’s people resign themselves to this attitude:   “This old world’s not my home anyway; I’m just a passin thru; My treasures are laid up; Somewhere beyond the blue . . .”; And I can’t feel at home in this old world anymore.”  Anon.
     Now it might be in order to include the most famous thought from the New Testament that mentions “the world.”  “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16   That passage speaks for itself.  Then God’s replacement for Judas, the amazing apostle Paul wrote this -- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:2   And it wouldn’t be right to omit the apostle of love in this “world” essay.  John wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world . . . the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  1 John 2:15-16
     Even though the true Christian Spirit gets few takers in this world, it does offer more freedom to be an individual.  Can you imagine not being bound by the world’s styles and attitudes, and also being free of the opinion of others?  Friend, is your spirit basically the same as the spirit that crucified Christ?  Does the world and its god (Satan) control your life and destiny? (2 Corinthians 4:4)   Solemn questions; indeed, and just as valid today as when Christ discussed them nearly 2000 years ago.  Freedom from the world and its spirit is possible by receiving Christ.  Be born again and marvel at the thought, “blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”   Choose Jesus, He is alive.   Scriptures referred to are:    Hebrews 11:13,  John  17:16,  Matthew 5:5 

Many other Titles:  www.gospelnotes.org                                               *  *  F. J. Stone  *  *
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