Parents

Worldliness

Part 1

When we use the term The World we usually mean the Earth. It also means the realm of men, not of God, not of the Spirit. There is the Godly and the Worldly.

John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. KJV

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged by no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Websters

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. KJV

Godliness vs Worldliness

How do we differentiate Godliness and worldliness? Godliness is spiritual. It is living in a way that God will approve of. Godliness is living a life of virtue and devotion to God. Worldliness is of the flesh. It is living in a way opposed to God. Worldliness is Satan's influence to lead us away from God and the paths of righteousness.

Peer pressure is an excellent example of worldliness. We have all experienced it. Though we tend to think of high school when we hear the the words peer pressure it actually occurs throughout our lives. Reactions to it give us examples of Godliness and worldliness. Taking up for the kid being picked on when the crowd tells us to go along is Godly. Joining the crowd is worldly.

One of the most important things a parent must do is keep the World out of the family and the family out of the World. This is especially true of the father. God has placed the responsibility on him as being the head of the family, the family's spiritual leader. This can be a tough challenge. We must interact with the world and at the same time not become a part of it. Worldliness is the influences of Satan and he wants nothing good for us. There are things in the world that seem innocent enough but that is just bait for the trap. We must always be on guard to protect our families from the world. Even when they think we are being overprotective.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour... KJV

Be on guard

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. KJV

In Matthew chapter 24 Christ is telling his disciples to be vigilant because no one but God knows when Christ will return. The chapter is also fitting for the this topic. Not only do we not know the hour or day Christ will return but we do not know the exact moment when calamity will strike. The influence of the world is a constant siren song. Do not think for even one minute you can let your guard down. I did and my family was torn apart. If I had been more vigilant then I would get to kiss my wife and daughters and tell them I love them each morning and each night kiss them, tell them I love them, and say good night. Instead they live there and I live here. Instead I dread every second that ticks by. Each one an eternity of torture and heartbreak.

Thomas Abernathy