Worldliness is the act of doing anything that is popularly accepted by the people in the society. For example; cultural practices, parties, fashion and so on. The act of worldliness contradicts the act of holiness!

A teacher asked a student, “Is the world round?” He answered, “No madam”. “Is it flat?” she asked. “No madam”, he replied. “Well, if it’s not round and it’s not flat, then what is it?” “It is crooked!” he explained. He got it right. The world we live in is crooked.

The lesson you’ll read today focus more on the significance of worldliness and its effect in the lives of people.

What are the Features of Worldliness?

Worldliness is enticing, because every feature in it tends to be harmless, and the doers derive ‘enjoyment’ from such act.

Some features of worldliness are called works of the flesh in Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21: “…adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Hmm! Some preachers deceived us that we are not under any law (law of Jesus), so we can moderately take part in worldliness. The early Christians in Ephesus were also deceived, but Paul advised them not to yield to such sweet talks.

Ephesians chapter 5 verse 3 to 6 has some features of worldliness: “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks…”

The Effect of Worldliness

Since worldliness is any action that separates you from the presence of the Lord, then there is no doubt that the devil is the author of worldliness.

The toxic effect of worldliness is Deformation of Character. It overwrite the right senses of the enticed people. Worldliness blindfolds the right insight her victims. People who give their lives to worldliness do not love to hear that they have some commandments of the Lord to obey. They always argue the true word of God.

First John chapter 2 verse 15 to 17 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

How to Overcome WorldlineSs

1. Love God sincerely with all your heart

Jesus says: “…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37

2. Make up your mind to become a genuine disciple of the Lord

Don’t do the popular things happening around you, except they are found in the Bible as godly practices. For instance; it is a popular trend among men and women to pierce their ears for earrings, and to put on tattoo for beauty and fashion. Don’t join the train! Don’t imitate the celebrities or ‘Christians’ around you doing such.

The Bible should always guide you in everything you do.

3.  Conform to the Holy Spirit

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

I realized that when I failed to hear from the Holy Spirit before taking any action, I stand the chance of 90% failure. The Holy Spirit is the best Teacher you need. You cannot be overwhelmed by the act of worldliness if the Holy Spirit lives in you.

Worldliness gives a temporary enjoyment of sinful lifestyle in this world. But, for what profit is it to someone who gains the entire world, and loses the soul to eternal punishment?

The short form of worldliness is sin. Do not love the world and don’t be loved by the world. Thus, the church should stop borrowing the styles of the world to win souls to the Christendom. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1Cor 10:12)