In our world which is obsessed with materialism, self-indulgence, and short-lived pleasures, Christians are called to rise above such distractions and set their heart on heavenly things. The Bible repeatedly warns against worldliness, teaching that it draws believers away from God and threatens their spiritual well-being.
What is Worldliness?
Worldliness can be defined as an excessive attachment to the values, attitudes, and pursuits of the secular world—a world that is not for Christ, but instead, against Him and His teachings. Worldliness manifests in various ways. One example is materialism. This is the relentless pursuit of wealth, possessions, and luxury. Another example is immorality, which can involve engaging in sexual sin, crude entertainment, and impure speech. Pride and vanity is another example. This is the process of seeking status, power, or social influence for self-glorification. Conforming to societal norms that contradict biblical teachings is yet another example. This would also be referred to as compromising one’s faith.
The Apostle John warns, “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). Here, “the world” represents the corrupt system opposed to God’s kingdom.
Worldliness blinds believers to spiritual truth and leads them away from holiness and the sanctified life. Christ Himself warned of the choking influence of worldly cares as we read in the Bible. “The cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it become unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)
When Christians allow their minds and hearts to be dominated by worldly ambitions, spiritual priorities diminish. This weakens prayer life, promotes compromise in moral standards, and ultimately dulls the conscience. The Apostle Paul instructs, “Do not be conformed to this world; instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Examples of Worldly Influences
Our world bombards believers with temptations that promote worldliness. This comes in many forms. For example, entertainment that glorifies sin. Movies, television shows, and music that encourage immorality, violence, and profanity. There are also many fashion trends that promote immodesty for both men and women. This can even include clothing that is designed to entice or reflect prideful attitudes. The world in which we live promotes a materialistic culture. This also includes advertising that manipulates people into pursuing luxury and excess.
Social media trends is another problem. Platforms that foster vanity, gossip, and self-promotion is constantly in our face vying for our attention.
How Can We Avoid Worldliness?
Avoiding worldliness requires intentional spiritual discipline and a firm reliance on God’s Word and His grace. Devote yourself to prayer, Bible reading and genuine study. Regular communion with the Lord strengthens spiritual resolve. As Psalm 119:11 declares, “Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Guard your heart and mind from worldly influences as best as you can. Carefully discern what you allow to influence your thoughts and emotions. Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to focus on “whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.”
Make sure you are embracing godly fellowship. Surround yourself with believers who encourage holiness and a life of sanctification. Paul wrote to the Corinthians admonishing them that “evil companionships corrupt good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Another version renders this as: “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” (NRSV)
Change your focus on life and the future by living with a focus on the eternal. Keep your heart fixed on eternal rewards rather than earthly gain. Christ warned, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20, HCSB)
Another way that can help you avoid worldliness is by resisting conformity to cultural trends. Stand firm against trends that conflict with God’s law. As James 4:4 warns, “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy.”
As Christians we are called to live as pilgrims in this world, never adopting its sinful ways but instead shining as lights in the darkness (Philippians 2:15). The faithful believer must exercise vigilance in resisting worldliness, seeking instead the things that are above (Colossians 3:1-2). By cultivating a life of prayer, holiness, and charity, we can guard ourselves from corruption and draw closer to our heavenly Father.
Verse Summary
- 1 John 2:15. This verse warns believers against loving the world and its corrupt values, teaching us that such affection distances us from the Lord.
- Mark 4:19. Shows us how worldly concerns, wealth, and desires can choke spiritual growth, rendering God’s word ineffective.
- Romans 12:2. Encourages transformation through the renewal of the mind rather than conforming to worldly influences.
- Psalm 119:11. This psalm shows us the importance of treasuring God’s word in our heart to resist sin.
- Philippians 4:8. Paul instructs believers to focus on virtuous and praiseworthy things, promoting purity of mind.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33. The apostle is warning that bad company (worldly friends, associates, acquaintances) can corrupt moral character.
- Matthew 6:19-20. Christ teaches us of the importance of storing up eternal treasures rather than earthly wealth, which is vulnerable to decay.
- James 4:4. James strongly cautions that friendship with the world equates to enmity with God.
- Colossians 3:1-2. The apostle directs believers to seek heavenly things, setting their hearts on Christ rather than earthly desires.