The purpose of God was and is to destroy the works of Satan—both in the earth and in our lives—and to give life, light, and freedom to humanity. Those who profess to know Christ must follow in His footsteps (1 John 2:6). This means that God’s purpose will also be our purpose.
In order to follow this purpose there are several things that need to happen. We need to be inwardly changed—mind and spirit—so that we can understand the difference between right and wrong, darkness and light, God and Satan.
Our devotion and affection must be for whatever is lovely, right, and true. Our interests cannot be divided. If we truly love God and want to walk in His ways we must realize that we cannot also love the ways of the world.
But what is “the world?”
“The world is any person, any companionship, any group, any philosophy or any writing or conversation that makes you feel that the commandments of God are grievous, a weight to heavy to bear.” Paris Reidhead
The temptation to rebel against the ways and purposes of God comes from “the world.” Adam and Eve’s rebellion was a result of them befriending “the world”—following the lust of their eyes and hearts instead of listening to and obeying the wisdom of God.
Commitment to anything is a serious business. It involves the will—it’s an intentional act. We are fooling ourselves if we think we can commit to God AND befriend philosophies, etc. that are contrary to His purpose. “A house divided cannot stand.” (Luke 11:17) The kingdom of light cannot wage war against a kingdom of darkness if those dwelling in the kingdom of light still love the darkness. Their fight against the enemy will be half-hearted and weak. “A double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways.” (James 1:8)
‘You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4
We must choose to walk in the light and commit to the Father’s purpose.
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
Peace,
Stephanie
www.stephaniestaples.com
