DON’T CHANGE WITH THE WORLD

And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he who does the will of God abides forever – 1 John 2:17

The world’s most common denominator is ‘Change’! Yet, as inevitable as change is, it is not God’s will that His children change with the changing world. We are designed to be Change Agents and Drivers of Positive Transformation, rather than casualties or victims of change! The world and its fashions are passing away. You are not meant to pass away with the passing world. You must not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom.12:2). As dynamic and uncertain as the world is, “he who does the will of God abides forever” – and will never fade away!

The ‘world’ does not denote the geographical earth which God made by His creative fiat and moulding hands, or the people in the world, for whom Jesus came and died (Jh.3:16). Rather, it refers to the entire system of human interests and values surrounding us; the glittering shows, fading fashions, and humanity’s hollow pursuits. This is illustrated in the account of how the devil took Jesus into an exceeding high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and said, “It has been delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will, I give it” (Lk.4:6).

The ‘world’ describes the rapid change in a scenic display or performance. One moment, the stage is full of vibrancy, life and colour; then, suddenly it is deserted, while the actors and actresses put off their splendid dresses, and put on mean and common attire. The passing away of the world can also be compared to the dying colour of sunset. The tempter offers some ephemeral bait, a soap bubble or a mirage, which appeals to the eye, but if one reaches out to grasp, disappears. So superficial and fleeting are the cravings with which ‘worldlings’ try to appease their insatiable appetite.

Alas, the desire for these things of the world is even more ephemeral than the things themselves. The desire passes away. The power of enjoyment dies away. The taste bud loses its strength. On the contrary, the love of God shall never fail. Beloved, change is a Must, but you are not permitted to change with the Changing world. Rise up as God’s Change Agent; you can change your world by God’s Word!