We Are Not of This World So Why Love This World? That is a perplexing question for many people. Christians and non-Christians alike love living in this world. They love the pleasures of this world, like good food, physical passion, beauty, companionship, wealth, and much more. I understand that completely. I enjoy living on this earth, but I don’t love it more than the life to come. Christians should prefer the eternal life to come more than the life we have here on earth. But many don’t feel that way. They want heaven to come in the distant future after their children are grown, or their grandchildren are grown, or they achieve wealth and prosperity. Read on to learn more.
Non-Christians, Without Regard to Their Spirituality, are of This World
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
Non-Christians can only expect the joys, pleasures, and rewards of this short human existence. In other words, the only rewards they get will be given to them by God in this life. After the brief “common grace” non-Christians receive in this life, they spend the rest of eternity in endless torment and pain. This “common grace” is an opportunity for non-Christians to hear the gospel. It is also a lifelong opportunity to enjoy this beautiful world that God created. Furthermore, it’s a chance to live the best life you can manage to live. We are not guaranteed even one day, and many aborted babies don’t even get one day. Both Christians and Non-Christians get a short time on earth.
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10
So, if a non-Christian has a long life, they are granted, on average, 70-80 years. God is giving those that live longer special dispensation for each additional minute. So, non-Christians, please relish every minute, because that’s all you get. Accepting Christ would be an even better idea.
We Are Not of This World So Why Love This World?
As Christians, we are to enjoy our lives but look forward to the next. We should not want or ask for a delay from God. We should want His will and His timing. We should want to leave this world at God’s discretion. During this life, we should also NOT conform to this world. “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 After being justified by God’s saving grace through our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we must also be sanctified. Sanctification is a lifelong pursuit of learning, growing in wisdom, and growing in closeness to God. This sanctification is accomplished through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Bible study, and prayer.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9
So, we are to enjoy this life and fear nothing. We should want to go to heaven more than we want to stay here on earth. We are to separate ourselves out as dedicated servants of God, willing and able to share the gospel. Once we accept Christ, we are no longer of this world and should long for the next world. Our purpose on earth is to share the gospel so that others have the opportunity to go to heaven with us. Our lives are to mirror Christ’s as closely as possible while we’re here and prepare for heaven while bringing as many others along with us as possible.
Christians are not of this world, so Christians should not love this world. We should eagerly desire the next world, heaven, according to God’s will and in His perfect timing.
We are very close to the end, so I hope you’re ready. If not, contact me or visit my Salvation webpage at Biblical Faith & Reasoning.