Do Not Love the World…

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:15-16, ESV).

Pastor Thomas J. Hughes notes, regarding the “American Church”, that “a look at today’s church seems to be a carefully staged reflection of the world system so often warned against in Scripture.” It is as though there seems to be to much “in common” between those in Adam with those in Christ, though in truth, they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, according to Scripture. Hughes goes on to say that “when the worldling stares at a typical evangelical church, she sees the world and she sees herself. This happened by design. It was supposed to make her feel more comfortable and more welcome. But it doesn’t have that effect. The church-the holy institution set aside by God as sacred in the midst of a wicked, fallen world-has been camouflaged. Now it looks like every other human institution. It has the same outlook, the same goals, and accepts the same doctrines” (Hughes, 2020, p. 334).

Of course not every church or pastor in America looks like this, thankfully! However, this is the “spirit” of what could be called, “American, post-modern, cultural, Christianity”. And it severely lacks POWER. The power of the reality of Christ in its midst. The power of Truth and “true/authentic” love. Why is this such an important issue? Because according to the Word of God, and testified by the Holy Spirt, there is no “middle-ground” there is no gray area. You are either in the Light or in the Darkness. And if Christians are going to impact this Country and this world they had better determine who’s side they’re on! We are in a battle. We will stand firm or we will shrink in fear. But it is time to make a “resolution” to be very clear on Who’s side we’re on! Just as Joshua said to Israel: “choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, ESV).

And so, child of God, claim your “identity”. Know who you are and Who’s you are and decide by the power of Christ within you, to STAND FIRM. Decide to stand on these truths: “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19)….[Therefore,]….”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” (Rom 12:2a). Christ WILL strengthen you!