Another Take on Worldliness

I started thinking about a Christian’s role in the world and how much of the “world” (in a Christian worldliness sense) each of us should intake (spurred on by a conversation with another Taylor student). It was said that we need to “be a part of culture to relate better to non-Christians”. He argued that we need to keep up to date with culture to be relevant (this blog is not pointing fingers or saying any one person is wrong it’s just what’s up).

I disagree. Romans 12:2 says that we are “not to conform the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds”, and goes later to say that it is God’s will for us. A definition of culture from the American Heritage Dictionary says, “The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.” I have heard it said that Christians are “counter-culture” because we “are not of this world” and do not live by the same rules that non-Christians do (see Colossians 2:20*).

I have tried in the past year and a half or so to not be a part of this world by limiting my intake of movies, music that doesn’t have good lyrics, and anything of the like to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2), and if anything, I feel better able to witness to people because I better understand God, His love, and how this world is dying and in need of Him.

Luke 8 has the parable of the seeds, and it says that “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Obviously between that verse James 4:4**, and James 1:27***, God does not want us to be polluted by worldly things.

I argue that to relate to people, we need to speak the truth, because God’s law is written on our hearts****, and the biggest reason of all: we already live in the world along with them. Just because I choose not to fill my mind with a lot of things that will do nothing for me eternally or spiritually does not mean that I cannot have meaningful relationships and conversations with people. Being salt and light and making a difference in the world comes through our relationship with God***** and nothing else. I can honestly say that back in the day I used to idolize TV and movies, and they choked out my desire to know God more and grow up in Christ because I was too focused on stuff that doesn’t last.

The first Psalm says that whoever walks in the counsel of the wicked, sits in the seat of sinners, and stands in the way of mockers will be like chaff that the wind blows away.

Think about it, say when you get married you only spend 10 minutes a day with your spouse and hours on end in front of the TV…your partner would not be too happy, and she is not even the one who gave us salvation and forgiveness, the greatest gift anybody could imagine.

I think our desires and delights should come first and foremost in God (Psalms 1:1-3, and Psalms 37:4)****** and that we shouldn’t care a whole lot about other stuff, because nothing else brings life or salvation.

Hope you enjoyed my ramblings and take to heart what God has for you guys.

*****************************************

Footnotes:
* Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?

**You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

***Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

****Romans 2:15

***** John 15:5

****** Psalms 1
(1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.)

And Psalms 37:4 (Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.)