Prayer Journal
Thursday, September 7, 2000
Most Christians recognize that the influence of the world can have a negative impact on their testimony. But many of those same Christians cannot see the harm in simple indulgence of its practices.
Moses had a call from God to lead his people out of a world of slavery and sin in Egypt, taking them to a "promised land". A new life of freedom in the land flowing with milk and honey was the aspiration of the youngest Israelite. But a strange thing happened on the way to their freedom.
It seems the Israelites met a task master more relentless than the Prince of Egypt: Themselves! They learned what the cartoon philosopher Pogo did; "We have met the enemy and they is us!" They carried "slavery to the world" with them when they left Egypt.
When God works in some men, others under the influence of this "world slavery" will arise to oppose God's work and God's messenger. Driven by "good" intention and a "kinder" world view, such people have no problem opposing a call to holiness when they can't balance the call with their own morality and worldly perception. It seems the longer God's people listen to such nonsense while trying to rationalize it without making any enemies, the more they slip into sin.
Aaron was Moses brother and believed in what his brother did, as long as it didn't take too long or create too much tension among his peers. This from a man who once proclaimed God's judgment to Pharaoh and saw God bring a nation to its knees that exalted itself above Jehovah God! Korah was more blatant and vocal in his opposition to Moses. He chose to challenge God by challenging Moses' call. Bad move. (Cp: Num 16:22,23)
What's the answer? How can a Christian possibly live IN THE WORLD, yet not be OF THE WORLD? How can we recognize God's call in our life if we're following the world. God knew the only way to show his people holiness was to demand physical separation from it. His call today is just as clear:
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desire pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
Two questions to consider:
- In what way are we "separate" from the world?
- When the world is gone, what will we lose?
Just Thinkin' WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
