Worldliness Vs. Godliness

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

(1 John 2:17)

Definition of Worldly: of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

It is a mindset that thrives on satisfying the sensual desires of the heart, becoming prominent and gaining as much of the material benefits that life has to offer as possible. The worldly person is one who has a deep, burning desire for self-gratification. This can easily be seen by those who have strong desires for illicit forbidden sexual pleasure, 'getting high' on drugs and alcohol, the 'don't mess with me personality’, out-dressing others with the best clothes, having the fastest car, the latest in technology, having the best body, you name it.  

The world teaches us that we must be ‘Politically Correct’.  It respects rich men regardless of how they obtained their riches. It applauds men who are very popular amongst the ladies and have a record of having affairs with the most stunning women. It encourages us to 'party 'til you drop'. It encourages us to be free to 'enjoy life,' and not have too many restrictions. It teaches that homosexuality is healthy. The world teaches that those who follow God are in the wrong and that we should be more like everyone else. It mocks those who do not conform to its pattern as being old-fashioned and weird.

2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The truth is that the world is under deception and though it promises much; it pays terribly, it pays with death! All that the world offers will not last, although it looks so attractive. When our lives come to an end only one thing that will matter and that is how we lived before God. Not how much pleasure we had or how famous we were.

Definition of Godly: conforming to the laws and wishes of God. (Dictionary.com)

The difference between a worldly person and a godly person is that the worldly person desires to please themselves more than anyone else. The Godly person desires to please God more than anyone else.

The Godly person willingly gives up their own desires and submits themselves to the will of God. They are like Jesus, who said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22: 42.  A godly person desires to do what pleases God and shudders at the thought of disobeying Him and bringing His Holy name to shame.

When tempted to sin he says like Joseph, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God”? Genesis 39: 9b.  

Today, Godliness is so rare that one can easily cry like the psalmist, Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Psalm 12: 1

Yet Godliness is so critical for every person who is breathing God's air for it guarantees our eternal security. It holds promise both in this life and the life to come. Hence we can say, “The man who does the will of God will live forever.”

So I ask, who are you going to serve, yourself or God?

Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”