Friend of the World?
There was a time in my life when I was pretty clueless about the world and certainly no one would have ever called me worldly. I didn’t watch much television for a time period of about 9 years and during some of that time I lived overseas, so I certainly had no idea what was hip or cool. My clothes were frumpy, my hairdo was totally out of style and I still listened to cassette tapes when everyone else had a CD player.
But over time, television and radio and life started to crowd back in. I think it’s important to be relevant in our society as Christians and I don’t see anything wrong with dressing in style, but the ways of the world have a way of creeping in along with the harmless things. Without ever realizing it, materialism and selfish ambition filter into my lifestyle along with full out hedonism and agnosticism (living without God).
And I open my Bible and read, “friendship with the world is hatred toward God?” (James 4:4) I wonder when dabbling in the ways of the world becomes “friendship” with the world? I find it easier to brush aside the condemnation and justify myself….I mean, we’re not talking about sin or anything here, right? It’s just a personal preference how much TV I watch or what rich desserts I enjoy splurging on or how much money I spend at the mall. I’m just taking care of myself. Surely God understands that.
And then I go to church and hear: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15). Ok pastor, let’s not get too carried away here – I’m not in love with the world, I just like it a little. I just enjoy the pleasures of the world, that doesn’t mean I’m “in love” with it, right? I mean, I still go to church and I haven’t committed any blatant sins. I am just living my life like everyone else, doing my job, being a mom and taking care of myself.
And then I sit down for my quiet time and read the parable of the sower (Luke 8:1-15) where the seed, which is the Word of God is spread on different types of soil. Some seed is eaten up, some never grows roots in the hard ground, and some seed grows great until the thorns of “life’s riches, worries and pleasures” choke the life out of it, stunting all growth.
All those little normal things like making sure my kids are in the right activities and keeping up to date with the popular technological devices or just the desire to look good…those are all thorns that seem innocuous at first, but eventually they choke the life out of me. Suddenly, I begin to realize that I’ve been feeding the thorns, spending time watering them and tending to them because riches and pleasure and even worry all seem more tantalizing than spiritual disciplines.
What would happen if I just began to pare back on those weeds? What if I spent more time watering the seed of God’s Word planted in me and spent less time filling my heart and mind with messages from the world? Maybe then the apathetic unmotivated stunted growth of my spiritual life would transform into a real-life blossoming friendship with God.
I guess I’m done with just surviving and thinking that somehow the things of the world will be rewards for making through each week. I’m done with doing my job 8 hours a day and not involving God in my work. I’m done with choosing something worldly to satisfy me at the end of a hard time. I’m ready to start blooming again and abiding in God, turning to Him for my sustenance, my peace, my joy.
Heather
Amen, Heather!! ! Thank you for sharing and being honest!
Sometimes it is hard to draw the line; on how much pleasure we should take in. I know for myself, if I don’t spend my time in the word in the morning, my day is sort-of-blah. My focus is not the same. I know that God made beautiful things for us to enjoy, but sometimes I forget to be thankful for them.