What is worldliness? Modern
religionists say that it is worldly to dress according to the fashion of the
times, to wear your hair in a given way, to wear a beard, or to drink a glass
of wine. Yet, our Lord dressed according to the fashion of the common man in
his day. He wore a seamless robe and sandals, like all other men. Our Savior
wore his hair much longer than modern styles, and he wore a beard, according to
the custom of his day. Jesus of Nazareth drank wine with his disciples, and
turned water into wine at the marriage feast of
Men look upon the outward appearance. They place
great stock in a man's outward dress and conduct. By these things they
determine who are and who are not worldly, who are and who are not the people
of God. But God takes no stock in such things. Our Lord made it plain. It is
not what a man wears, eats, or drinks that determines his relationship with
God. Rather, it is his heart attitude.
What is worldliness? It is the love of the world.
Dear friends, be sure that you do not love the world. "If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him." Do not allow your hearts to
become fondly attached to this world, neither its people nor its pleasures,
neither its fame nor its fortunes, neither its success nor its security.
"Love not the world." It is perishing. Everything in it is marked for
destruction. But "Set your affection on things above", even Jesus
Christ and the riches of his glory and grace.