Introduction
´Life` as a concept has been used to mean different things in different context. There is life in this physical world and life in the spiritual world. This newsletter discusses “life in this world” as the things of this world, its pleasures and interests (Webster).
Life in this world is sensual
In His parable of the sower, Jesus mentions that some people happily accept the word of God but they soon get chocked with the cares and riches as well as the pleasures of this life, that is life in this cosmic world and they do not bring fruits to perfection (Luk 8:14). Believers are, therefore, warned to be circumspect because they could be consumed by surfeiting, drunkenness and cares of this life which could send us to the hellfire (Luk 21:34).
Paul also cautions his readers not to abuse or immerse themselves into the fashion of this life as it is fading away (1Co 7:31). The things in this world have been given to men to enjoy but abusing them and giving ourselves to their excessive use makes it evil. So, if believers entangle themselves with the affairs of this life, they would not please God (2Ti 2:4). Christians must constantly remind themselves that they are not of this world (Joh 8:23) but they are pilgrims or sojourners (Heb 11:13, 1Pt 2:11).
As pilgrims and children of God, we are not supposed to love this world or things in it because if we do, then the love of God is not in us. All that is in this world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which are not of God and His Christ (1Joh 2:15-16).
Again, life in this physical world is sensual in that it breeds competition. People in this world pride themselves of what they can do, and what they have been able to amass. These are things that shall be left behind in a twinkling of an eye. Believers may challenge themselves and each other to excellence but it is unintelligible for them to compete with each other. As Paul rightly puts it:
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2Co 10:12). Those who compare themselves do many unwholesome things in their bid to overtake their competitors. They are ready to supplant, blackmail, and even kill their neighbors in order to win or succeed in this life.
Conclusion
This world was created for man and s/he is expected to have dominion over things in it, but the regenerate man is not supposed to abuse those things that are in it. S/he is not supposed to love this world or overindulge in it because it is passing away.
Prayer: May the Holy God help us ignore the excessive pleasures of this world, and live lives of chastity as we serve Him. This we ask in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. AMEN!