Overcoming The World

I bet you thought this was impossible

The following was on my mind the other night. It may not be for you but I trust it will speak to anyone who needs to read it today. Many folks seem to be asking if God is punishing the world.¹ Let’s explore if this is actually the case. Yes, I know it reads preachy but it’s good stuff, good for the soul.

It's not surprising when bad things happen to bad people as it is usually a result of bad behavior. But when bad things happen to good people there is a natural tendency to blame the wrong people. Things are often made worse as a result of the desire to reach a solution and fix the problem without first gaining understanding of its cause. It's all too easy to assume that things should go right when you do the right thing. I think of Jesus, who wisely 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)

Trouble you say? New believers in Christ often assume that life should be a bed of roses now that they have "God on their side". I've met many people who led the "Christian life", confessed to the world that God existed, and who encouraged others to believe the same. Life was good for a season.

But then John 16:33 kicked in and their world was rocked. They began to suffer the stinging arrows of this world and had had enough. Suddenly they began to question whether God really did exist. Was Christianity simply a crutch for the weak minded? They would ask. They had the Source, but didn't "plug-in". The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3,4) This world is full "teachers" willing scratch that itch and even that feels good, but only for a season. Please be aware of this for yourself and your family.

God never leaves us but instead we choose to separate ourselves from Him. He does not slip in and out of existence at the whims of our thought processes or because we say so. This very thought seems to be the primary apologetic for those who choose not to believe in their Creator. I have a superior thought: For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20). Since we are without excuse, where do we go from here?

Romans 13:14 provides a concise strategy on how to live the Christian life successfully. It states: Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

First, clothing yourself with Christ. This is done by putting on the full armor of God so that you will be able to take your stand against the devil’s schemes. This armor is specified in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Second, recognize that you’re surrounding yourself with not simply a thought or idea but instead with the Lord and creator of all things who, being made in the likeness of man died for us and rose again to immortality. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Third, Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Do this and you will learn how to gratify the desires of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus illustrated it best in Luke 12:34 when He said: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. We are clothed with either the wisdom of this world or with the wisdom of God hidden in Christ, as they can never co-exist together with agreement.

He alone has already overcome the world. Put your trust in Jesus Christ, one only one who can truly save your soul.

From my heart to yours,

Jim

1. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/is-god-punishing-the-united-states-of-america/ar-AA1197HH