Do You Look Like the World?
A Christian’s Spiritual Checkup
Do you look like the world? But how would you know unless you ask God to help you see your sin as David did? Indeed, only God can show us when we look like the world because our hearts easily deceive us. So, if you love God and want to please Him, are you ready for a spiritual checkup? If so, the Great Physician is waiting for you.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
To begin with, Christians are to be salt and light in the world. So, if you believe in Jesus Christ, yet your views are the same as the world’s, the evil one has deceived you. Moreover, do you virtue signal on social media? Then, beware because you have embraced the popular and accepted opinion of the day without question. But out of His great love for you, Jesus, the Great Physician, has inspired this post as an essential spiritual checkup so you can be well.
Those Who Look Like the World Neglect God’s Word
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
According to the verse, when you neglect God’s Word, you will conform to the thinking and behavior of the world. Because when you set aside God’s unchanging truth, you fail to distinguish between good and evil.
Furthermore, recognize that Satan is the father of lies and the ruler of this world, and he uses the megaphone of print, music, film, and academia to indoctrinate the culture with his wicked ideology. Therefore, what the world believes is Satan’s assault against God and His Word of truth.
Thus, because the world opposes God, Christians must not promote or enable the lies it believes. Instead, they are to speak the truth of God’s Word in love and always be ready to share the gospel by faith.
You Look Like the World When You Love It
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
God commands believers not to love the world because what pleases God and what unbelievers accept and believe conflict. So, why do so many Christians pay more attention to what popular culture dictates than what God says? Hence, the question to ask yourself is, “Who do you love?” Your responses to the following inquiries will provide the answer.
Do you love Jesus and consistently seek to please Him? Is Bible study and prayer a priority? Are you ashamed of God’s Word when it contradicts the world’s thinking? Do you filter yourself around unbelievers to make sure you use politically correct language? Do you love people enough to tell them the truth about sin and share Jesus with them, or are you more afraid of offending them?
Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33
You must choose whom you will serve because it is impossible to love both God and the world. So, if the Holy Spirit has revealed a divided heart, stop here and tell God you want to change. Now, ask Jesus to help you, and believe that He will.
Those Who Look Like the World Do What God Hates
The world ruled by Satan hates God and those who follow Jesus. Thus, not wanting to submit to God’s righteous commands, unbelievers establish their own morality and do what God hates. And because they agree and heartily approve of one another, they cannot see their sin. Consequently, the devil deceives them into thinking they are “good people” who do not need a Savior, a deliverer from sin.
But the Bible says there is no one good but God and that the wages of sin is death. Hence, only Jesus Christ, who was without sin, could pay the penalty. So, out of God’s great love for those He created, Jesus willingly left heaven to die on the cross for the sins of the world. Regardless, an unbelieving world continues to talk about peace and love but can deliver neither.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
You Look Like the World When You Are Not Truthful
Political correctness wielded with the club of self-righteousness is not love! For example, the world’s message is tolerance for me and those who agree, but not for thee. In contrast, God is love and the source of all love, not tainted with selfishness and self-interest. And God is holy and cannot lie. Hence, tolerance is not love because there is no love without the truth. Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, those who genuinely love others tell them the truth.
So then, considering what God’s love looks like, how often have you remained silent when speaking with someone who thinks what the Bible calls sin is okay? And did you censor yourself because you knew that God’s truth does not fit the world’s definition of love?
If so, understand that when you comply with the world, you sacrifice the truth about sin and deny someone an opportunity to repent, believe in Jesus, and be saved. So, if you continue to seek acceptance from the world, please consider this: You can never measure up to the world’s standards without doing the devil’s work. And the Lord says there is no peace for the wicked, so choose whom you will serve.
We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His Word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6
You Look Like the World When You Want Its Approval
Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. He who hates me hates my Father as well.” John 15:18-19, 23
Jesus experienced opposition and persecution because he testified that what the world does is evil. So, surely His followers can expect the same hostility. Indeed, the world has unreasonable hatred for those who reflect Christ and stand firm in the truth of His Word. As a result, many deny that they know Jesus to avoid persecution, just as Peter once did.
But when the world demands your allegiance, consider that you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of what you did on earth by faith in Him. So then, before it is too late, may the Spirit of God convict you of wanting the acceptance and approval of people more than you want to please Jesus.
Am I now trying to win the approval of men or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
God’s people are to be set apart from the world, not conformed to it, so do not be a casualty of those who assault the Word of God. Instead, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. And put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
You Look Like the World When You Embrace Its Religion
Do you know that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive? For this reason, every religion, except Christianity, believes that God is pleased by someone’s good works apart from faith in Jesus Christ. But this ideology is a false religion called legalism because man-made rules define right and wrong, not the one true God.
You will always be good enough for the world. However, the Bible teaches that anyone who thinks they are good enough for heaven will not be there. Because the Bible clearly states that only those who live by faith in Jesus Christ are righteous and have eternal life.
Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:42
Sadly, politics is now a religion for millions who do not believe in and obey God but will mindlessly follow ungodly leaders. As a result, authoritarians dictate the commandments of good and evil and expect people to obey without question.
But without God, the world’s religion only produces self-righteous people with a pretense of virtue but devoid of any self-examination. Hence, they are always “good” people with no shame because, to them, good and evil are relative with no absolutes. Moreover, they believe the end justifies the means, no matter how wicked, and that anyone opposing them is evil.
You Look Like the World When You Conform to Its Beliefs
You must understand that unbelievers who are radicalized will never accept you unless you follow the world’s belief system without question. So, standing up for biblical truth not only risks your being shamed and ostracized, but fanatics have the power to ruin your life. So, it is not hard to understand why so many Christians try to fit in with little or no pushback. But, by the mighty power of God, you can resist by faith!
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
So, are you ready to stop seeking approval from those who hate God and slander those who follow Christ? Then, come home to Jesus, the source of all truth. To do this, confess your sins and thank God that He can deliver you from fear. Then, by faith, ask Jesus to help you to be strong and courageous as you live for Him.
You Look Like the World When God is Not Your Moral Authority
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4
Satan is a liar who deceives the entire world, and he uses people to accomplish his purposes. Accordingly, the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, is an example of his schemes because powerful political forces used the crisis to divide people and eliminate the police.
However, God ordained the government to restrain evil and protect life and property. So, those participating in mob rule and anarchy reveal who controls them. Thus, it is sad when Christians cannot discern righteous causes from those organized to manipulate them because when Satan gains hearts and minds, people get hurt.
Christians Are to be Transformed, not Conformed
God never changes in contrast to the world, which constantly resets the moral agenda. Therefore, Christians who do not research what political parties and movements believe enable ungodly schemes. For example, without understanding the godless organization behind the slogan, many Christians posted “Black Lives Matter” on social media, thinking they were showing virtuous anger over George Floyd’s death.
At the same time, others posted “All Lives Matter” but were confused by the severe backlash they received, yet they were right. Because Black Lives Matter, BLM, is a violent and destructive Marxist Communist global organization with a political agenda.
So, I tell you this and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:17-18
You Look Like the World When You Cannot Discern Good from Evil
The rioting, looting, and violence surrounding Floyd’s death intimidated, instilled fear, and produced false guilt in those who were not black. Unfortunately, Christians who could not discern good and evil perpetuated the lie that all white people are racist. But to mindlessly accept that a person or institution is racist is slander. Yet, alarmingly, even churches caved to the false narrative by suggesting their congregants read secular books like “White Fragility” to educate themselves.
False guilt is never from God, yet it was laid on the body of Christ as if they were guilty as charged. But does the Bible not speak truthfully against hatred, bigotry, factions, and the sin in all people’s hearts? Then, have these churches not faithfully taught what is right and wrong from the Word of God?
Moreover, did God not create a person as He designed, including their color? Resoundingly Yes! Therefore, to judge anyone by the color of their skin is racist. Hence, Jesus said to be wise as serpents when dealing with the world because a person’s identity should never be their skin color. Furthermore, God opposes dividing people into factions, so followers of Christ should know when being used for political gain.
Indeed, only God has the authority and right to rule, so resolve not to bow the knee to anyone but Jesus Christ. Instead, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit by faith and make the Bible the final word for what is right and wrong.
Jesus Died for the Sins of the World
Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
There was racism and sexism when Jesus lived on earth, so the sins of discrimination and prejudice are nothing new. For example, the Jews hated the Samaritans, the Romans hated the Jews, and the Jews hated the Gentiles. Yet, the Bible records that Jesus talked to a woman, even though it was scandalous to do so at that time. Moreover, she was also a hated Samaritan.
But when faced with sinful hearts, Jesus did not suggest a political solution, nor did he riot or harm others. Instead, Jesus told people to believe in Him as their Savior and Lord, and God would forgive them of their sins. Furthermore, Jesus taught people to love God and one another, so dividing people by race or sex is always wrong.
Indeed, because of Jesus’ teachings, the church universal is the most inclusive and colorful organization in the world. Therefore, Christians should never accept lectures about love or what is right or wrong from the world’s point of view.
I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10
How to Stop Looking Like the World
People have no solutions for the world’s spiritual problems, but the Lord Jesus Christ does. He called you to follow Him and live the Christian life by faith. Hence, if you know that you look like the world, do not wait; confess it as sin now. Then, repent of the pride and hatred in your own heart instead of looking for it in others. Ask God now to forgive you and help you follow and serve Jesus Christ by faith.
Praise Almighty God that Jesus overcame the world through His death and resurrection so that the world’s hostility will never defeat those who believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:3-5
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Bible study for “Do You Look Like the World?”
Week 1: Joshua 24:14-15, 24; Psalms 1:1-6; 2:1-12; 4:2-3; 5:1-12; 9:1-20; 10:1-18; 15:1-5; 37:1-13; 118:5-9, 14; 119:1-11, 89, 101, 105; 139:23-24; Proverbs 4:10-11, 23-27; 8:13, 32-36; 14:12, 16, 19; 16:2-9, 17-20, 25; 17:4, 10-11, 13, 15; 23:7; 25:21-22, 26; 28:1-5, 12-14; 29:1-2, 8, 16, 22-23, 25
Week 2: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10; 12:1-7, 13-14; Isaiah 2:17-19, 22; 5:20-24; 29:13-16; 30:1-2, 9-22; 41:10-13; 57:20-21; Jeremiah 6:13-19; 17:5-10, 13-14; 29:11-13; Zephaniah 3:1-8; Matthew 4:1-4, 8-11, 17; 5:10-20; 6:19-24; 7:1-27; 10:16-33; 13:1-30; Matthew 16:21-28
Week 3: Matthew 19:16-30; 22:29, 36-40; John 3:16-21; 5:39-44; 7:7; 8:12, 23-24, 31-32, 42-47; 12:26, 30-36, 42-50; 14:6, 15, 21-24; 15:1-27; 16:5-16, 33; 17:13-26; 18:36-37; Acts 5:27-42; Romans 1:16-32; 2:1-13; 3:9-31; 5:6-11; 8:5-9, 12-18, 28-30; Romans 10:3–4; 12:1-3, 9-21
Do You Look Like the World Bible Study Weeks 4 Through 6
Week 4: Romans 13:1-14; 14:7-12; 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 2:1-6, 12-16; 3:1-4, 16-21; 6:9-11, 18-20; 2 Corinthians 1:8-12; 4:1-18; 5:7-11, 14-21; 6:14-18; 7:1, 10; 10:3-6, 18; 11:1-4, 13-15; 13:5; Galatians 1:6-10; 5:4, 7, 13-26; 6:1-10; Ephesians 2:1-10, 13, 19-22; 4:17-32
Week 5: Ephesians 5:1-21; 6:10-18; Philippians 2:1-16; 3:3, 7-21; 4:13, 19-20; Colossians 1:9-23; 2:6-10, 20-23; 3:1-17, 23-24; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13; 1 Timothy 6:7-16; 2 Timothy 2:14-19, 22-26; 3:1-9, 12-17; 4:1 8; Titus 3:1-11; Hebrews 11:1, 6, 38; 12:1-29; 13:6-8, 20-21; James 1:22-27
Week 6: James 2:14-26; 3:13-18; 4:4:1-17; 5:7-9, 16, 19-20; 1 Peter 2:11-25; 3:8-17; 4:1-8, 12-19; 5:8-11; 2 Peter 2:1-22; 3:1-18; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-11; 15-17, 28-29; 3:1-24; 4:1-21; 5:1-5, 18-19; Jude 14-25; Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22; 7:9-12; 12:7-12, 17; 17:14; 20:10-15; 21:27; 22:7, 12-21
