Introduction. When God speaks of the things “in this world,” it is generally negative. “For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world” (1Jn. 2:15-17). The world “perverts” the wholesome desires and self-esteem of those “created in the image and likeness of God” into vile lusts and arrogance. Think of the healthy fresh food we enjoy. It smells and tastes wonderful. Yet that same food left outside for a few days has a foul smell and brings only a desire to vomit. This is what the world has done to souls.
Yet not everything in this world is evil. Sometimes God used the wisdom, diligence and sacrifice of those in this world to motivate His people. This is summed up in a sad lament of Jesus. “For the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light” (Lk. 16:8). When we place our efforts to serve Jesus against those who “desire to be rich” or seek to excel in their profession/hobby, how do we compare? Are they more diligent and wiser than we?
Yet not everything in this world is evil. Sometimes God used the wisdom, diligence and sacrifice of those in this world to motivate His people. This is summed up in a sad lament of Jesus. “For the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light” (Lk. 16:8). When we place our efforts to serve Jesus against those who “desire to be rich” or seek to excel in their profession/hobby, how do we compare? Are they more diligent and wiser than we?