EVERYTHING WE NEED: The World - Why Can't We Be Friends?

      Why can’t we be friends with the world? “…Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4 NIV).

      Do those words seem harsh? While we may forget the trials and hardships we experience, this is still where we live and enjoy life. We have our families, friends, places of worship and ways we enjoy God’s creation. The difference, however, is between our physical world and the worldto which God’s Word refers. The latter is defined as a “system consisting of people whose beliefs, values, and morals are in complete opposition to God” and ruled by Satan.

      A friend is someone with whom you share your ideals, likes and dislikes. You look out for each other’s best interests. Likewise, a friend of the world agrees with and accepts Satan’s goals. Occasional participation in questionable activities may seem harmless, but it is a stepping stone to delve deeper into sin.

      Do not presume that one can avoid being harmed by interaction with sinful behavior. “Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning, for there are some who are ignorant of God…” (I Cor.15:33-34). The devil’s whole arena is ignorant of God, and we should not want to have even a small part of it.

      Satan is no friend to believers. His goal is to take away one’s Christian testimony and influence. While we may express anger over things that corrupt our society, we should not be shocked. The opening ceremony for the Olympics, for example, was sinful, but what should we expect from Satan’s crowd? A gospel message? Several young Olympic athletes shared their faith in God, and their testimonies outshone the opening ceremony.

      If there is a blockbuster movie you really want to see, yet you already know that it has questionable content, what should you do? If the Holy Spirit convicts you, as He surely will, pay attention and refuse to give into temptation.

      How about concerts? People often spare no expense traveling to see their favorite singers/musicians. If the entertainers’ lifestyles do not exhibit godly character, take note. If their lyrics are not clean, they dress inappropriately or their moves on stage are vulgar, these can be red flags to determine whether or not to attend.

      Other things that can also destroy our relationship with God are people we associate with who do not share our values, certain television programs, some books we read, and even some causes we support. We are not perfect, and living in this world is difficult because of the many temptations thrown at us. Remember, though, that the world that hates Jesus also hates us. Oh, but what an honor to be hated along with Him.

      “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:15-17). Can we be friends with the world? Not if we want to please God.

      Jesus said, “My prayer is not that you (God) take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (John 17:15-16). That speaks volumes! This sinful world is not our home, and we should not live as though it were.