S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The dictionary definition of "worldly" is "relating to, or devoted to, the temporal world." Worldliness, then, is the condition of being concerned with worldly affairs, especially to the neglect of...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about worldliness?

James and John both emphasise that it is not merely a problem to act or think in a worldly way; rather, worldliness consists of the desire to be a friend of the world (Jas 4:4) and the love of all that is in the world (1 John 2:15–16). Often, worldliness is when believers are enamoured with the behaviour of unbelievers.

Worldliness can be defined as a heart-level attitude and lifestyle focused on temporal pleasure, material accumulation, and prideful self-exaltation rather than divine, eternal values. It is characterised by selfish ambition, conformity to the world's sinful patterns, and a disregard for God. Core traits include the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. 

Some characteristics of worldliness include:

Lust of the Flesh/Sensuality: A fixation on fulfilling physical desires, selfish pleasures, and sensual gratification.

Lust of the Eyes/Materialism: An unhealthy, idolatrous, or greedy desire to acquire possessions, wealth, and status.

Pride of Life/Boasting: An obsession with personal image, prestige, power, and self-importance.

Temporal Focus: Living only for the present, ignoring spiritual, eternal realities and failing to "redeem the time".

Conformity to Culture: Thinking and behaving like the surrounding culture rather than following God's commands (Romans 12:2).

Lack of God's Grace/Spirituality: An absence of a devoted love for God, leading to an inability to overcome selfish desires.

Self-Centeredness: Placing self-interest and self-gratification above all else. 

While sometimes used to describe a sophisticated, well-travelled person, in a biblical context, worldliness refers to a spiritual "adultery" in which one is a friend of the world system rather than of God. 

We are advised to guard our Christian trust, meaning to protect it from direct frontal attack or any other danger, especially from the spirit of worldliness. Through the Holy Spirit of God, not the spirit of this old world, we guard our Christian trust. Filling our hearts and minds with appreciation of the things of God's Word and work will keep us attuned to the Holy Spirit from him.—2 Tim. 1:14,

We need to avoid as much personal difficulty as possible by remembering that anyone who resists God's Word or who leads others into worldliness or immorality is not good company and will not help improve your conduct in the household of God. 

As part of the Christian Congregation, we are required to maintain holiness. This means that we are to remain untarnished, clean from sinful contamination and worldliness. 

Why? Because we are set apart for sacred service.​—Ex. 20:5. 

We must always refuse to allow our minds to dwell on things that are obscene, shameful, or base, and we would certainly not allow such things to creep into our conversation. By doing this, we demonstrate our desire to uphold God's clean and righteous moral standards.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report