Love Not the World

How is our walk with God? Are we following the way of the masses, dabbling thoughtlessly into whatever pleasing idea comes along? Are we burdened by the cares of the world, stumbling from one obstacle to another? Or do we temper our thoughts and movements by the righteousness of Christ? Does it sometimes seem so much easier to ‘follow the crowd’ than to walk by the Spirit?

Many take the wrong turning at the crossroads, taking the way of pride, self-satisfaction and greed. Some drift off the road altogether, blinded by the temptations of life. Others are bewildered by uncertainty and end up in the long grass, among the weeds. ‘For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life’ (Matthew 7:13-14).

We, who follow Christ, walk that narrow path, being careful where we tread and very much aware of the dangers lurking in the bushes (1 Peter 5:8). Our confidence is in the One who made the way open for us by His death. We’ve been lifted out of the uncertainty and confusion of our destiny and have become ‘fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God’ (Ephesians 2:19). We know who we are and where we’re going, ‘for our citizenship is in heaven’ (Philippians 3:20).

Let’s immerse ourselves in this precious truth. Because it’s the truth that sets us free from the shackles of this world (John 8:32). We’re loved, protected and guided by a Creator God, who, having been so grieved by the consequences of our disobedience and sin through Adam, sent His Son to overcome the power of death, that we may live in His fullness forever.

We need to grasp this with both hands, not looking to the right or to the left, or inward to ourselves, but taking hold of that precious lifeline that we’re offered and walking boldly ‘into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you’ (1 Peter 1:4). We’re clothed with a righteousness we don’t deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21), and are seated alongside the King of kings in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6).

It’s not that we are to live only in the hope of that which is to come. We can now live for that which we already have. ‘He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you’ (Romans 8:11). Let’s walk with care, with the assurance that He walks with us. ‘Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature’ (Galatians 5:16). Then we can confidently say, along with Christ, ‘I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

Prayer: Father, please forgive me for straying off the path and drifting into the wilderness of sin and confusion. I remember that, when Jesus found Himself in the wilderness, He stood firmly on righteousness and the truth of God’s Word. Help me, Father, to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.