Be Not a Worldling

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2

    The word “world” means the nature, the opinions, the goals, and the attitudes of natural men and women. The believer lives in the world, works and associates with worldly people; therefore, he faces constant pressure and temptation to be and do what the world is and does.

    The world seeks the praise and favor of men; the believer seeks the praise and favor of God. The worldling thinks only of himself; the believer considers others. The world cares only for the body, its desires and needs; the believer is concerned for his soul. The world believes and is concerned only with what is seen (which is temporal); the believer believes and rests only in that which is unseen (which is eternal). The world cries, “What shall we eat, drink, and wear;” the believer cries, “Feed me with food convenient for me; lest I be full and deny thee, and say who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of the Lord in vain” (Prov. 30:9). But above all, “That I may win Christ and be found in him, clothed in his righteousness and washed in his blood.” The spiritual walk and attitude can only be accomplished by “a renewing of your mind,” or the regenerating work of God in mind and soul (Titus 3:5).