Friendship with the World

[Ncdataman]

Friendship with the World

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

— Romans 12:2


When we come across the term "world" in the Bible, it isn't necessarily speaking of the Earth, per se. Rather, it is often speaking of a system, a mentality, or a way of thinking. This system, this mentality, is controlled by "the god of this world," also known as Satan.

A serious enemy the Christian faces today is the world. The Bible warns, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). In the original language, the term "friendship" in this verse appears only in the New Testament and speaks of a strong emotional attachment, to love, to have an affection for, or even to kiss.

The Christian who turns from Christ and His church to seek pleasure and satisfaction from this world has put other gods in His place. That is the message God gave Jeremiah for His wayward people: "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13).

A cistern is a large well or pool carved in a rock. A broken cistern has sprung a leak and can't hold water. God is saying, "If you go out there to the world and drink from that well, it is not going to satisfy you."

So what are we to do when we are surrounded by this mentality, this world system that is so contrary to what the Word of God teaches? The only way to counteract this world's message is to saturate ourselves with the things of God.


Reprinted from Harvest

 

[Maureen]

okay well understood.
so what when your invited to join unsaved people, to a party?
were there is going to be lots of alcohol, rude jokes no doubt, blasphemey, bad language, etc.

do you go? and spend the whole night trying to correct foul language, and blasphemey?
do you refuse? and have them say, oh stuffy Christian, can't join in.

I personally have did both, and disliked every moment of that party.
Sat way out of everyone's company, as no-one wanted to talk about Jesus, or even wanted to know me really, as I represented Him.
The room soon emptied when I appeared, but sure they put Jesus out of Jeruslem. What can we expect.

People only want you at these places if you talk their talk, and leave Jesus outside the door.
Perhaps there are the few who may ask or be interested but I've not come across them.

I just don't go anymore.
Let them think what they like, I love Jesus, and He's all I need.

The people were my family and their friends too.
They try to be polite to you, but really in all fairness, they'd rather you weren't there, then they don't have to mind their p's and q'.