How to Apply: “Love Not the World Nor the Things in the World”

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GUEST: SCOTT ANIOL, Executive VP and Editor-in-Chief G3 Ministries

The highest calling for Christians is to pursue holiness.

Scripture says this definitively, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16).

What hinders the pursuit of holiness, defined as Christ-likeness, is the opposite—worldliness. Worldliness is defined in Scripture as the sinful lusts and pride which the world around us relentlessly promotes:

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16).

Here’s what WORLDLINESS tells us:
 >> If it feels good, do it.
>> If it looks good, get it.
>> If it elevates me, go for it.

Not surprisingly, the fallen world ruled by Satan presents endless ways to draw us off the path of holiness and down the dead end of worldliness. And most problematic, there’s something inside us that is drawn to what the sinful world offers. It’s enjoyable. It causes us to laugh. It makes us feel “in.” It boosts our view of self. And it’s really not going to affect me, right?

Scott Aniol, Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of G3 Ministries and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary, joins us this weekend on The Christian Worldview to discuss worldliness and how to identify and overcome it.

We hope you find the conversation edifying for your Christian life.