WORLDLINESS = LACK OF FAITH

One may argue whether or not there is any problem with it being so; one may argue that grace covers it so the issue is moot; but what one cannot do, unless he blindly denies reality, is suggest it isn't true. Worldliness. Generally, contemporary American Christians evidence a lifestyle that is little different from the pleasure seeking unbelievers around them. Any difference seems to be one of degree not kind. There has always been the reality that Christians will be tempted by this world. Satan even tempted Jesus with it. The Apostle John warned against loving it. Peter cautions that lusts for it must be rejected. That record is clear. Many, including myself, have so often made whether or not the believer forays into, partakes of, and adopts this world about commitment, dedication, and even the experience of sanctification. It would be hard to argue against those strands of truth. However, more and more, when I watch a believer become mesmerized by, yielding to, and finally partaking of this world, I have come to see it less about commitment and more about faith: Worldliness evidences a lack of faith. Simply put, the believer has yielded to temptation and sought out the world simply because he does not believe God can make him happy, fulfill his needs, and satisfy him. He turns to the world believing that is where he will find the pleasure, happiness, and satisfaction he seeks. Ironically, if asked, that same believer would tell the unbeliever that he will never find in the world that which will fill the hole in his heart, that only Jesus can fill that space, meet that craving. That is the indictment against the worldly believer: He declares that only Jesus can satisfy the soul and then turns to and seeks out the things of this world. He just doesn't believe. He doesn't believe what he has declared, "Only God can fill the God-shaped vacuum of every heart." He doesn't believe that he is complete in Christ, that there is no need to seek further for joy, purpose. He doesn't believe that God has what it takes to meet his deepest need. Lack this faith and there is no foundation for commitment, convictions, or dedication. The thinking world must laugh at the worldly Christian's lack of faith. The "Christian" declares, Jesus will fill the void of your life, and then listens to secular music that expresses and encourages carnal cravings, engages in licentious sexual activity, becomes addicted to worldly pleasures, and on and on. The "Christian" proclaims he has found the answer but continues to seek out what the world offers. Faith in God says, "Hallelujah, I have found Him, whom my soul so long has craved. Jesus satisfies the longing by His grace I now am saved." Faith in God equals no need or desire for this world.