One who is worldly is one who is devoted to the cares of this world, and his concerns are the present world and the pleasures which the world affords. And, this distinguished from those of the life to come. Worldliness describes the state or condition which characterizes one whose lifestyle is influenced by the world or worldly things. However, worldliness runs much deeper than one’s lifestyle.

The basic character of worldliness is rooted in the heart of the individual, and the heart cannot be passive, for it will attach itself to something. Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man ...” (Matt. 15:19-20). This, no doubt, is the reason so much emphasis is placed on the action and direction of the heart. Worldliness involves the heart in so many things that are innocent and harmless; things which may be enjoyed by the Christian; yet, may become worldly. Within this context, Bob Harkrider wrote an article several years ago which was titled, “Respectable Worldliness.” The article addressed those things which are lawful for the Christian to practice, but may become worldly with a disproportionate emphasis being placed on them, and this is the subtle danger in these things. We come to love sports, vacations, fishing trips, automobiles, houses, etc., to the extent that these become the attachment of our heart; and thus, respectable worldliness.

Sad, but true, we have preachers among “us” who defend worldly practices. Notice this statement from a sermon by a preacher in 1982: “If a man feels modest in a bathing suit, it is not wrong for him to go swimming with women, although he thinks it could be questionable if at a ‘public display’ area.” The same preacher recently defended drinking in moderation, “but it is a sin if one becomes intoxicated.” It’s unthinkable that one who claims to be a gospel preacher could defend such evils, and sinful practices which have contributed to immorality, broken homes, alcoholism, and ultimately the loss of souls. And, we have preachers among us who are living in adultery; some are living with a second or third wife. Would you say, then, that there is worldliness in the church!

I want to go back now to a statement I made earlier: “Worldliness runs much deeper than one’s lifestyle.” When Paul said to the Colossians (3:2) “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”, he is implementing safeguards against worldliness. One’s mindset determines whether or not he is worldly. One may isolate himself from society and live the life of a hermit and still be worldly.

The apostle John said, “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” (I Jn. 2:15). Here, another apostle of Christ is showing that our affection, service, and worship should be directed toward God and not the world. And, these passages, (and others) really identify worldliness for us; it is an attitude, a focus, an orientation. The works of the flesh described by Paul in Galatians 5 are the products of worldliness. Remember, Jesus said that these things proceed out of the heart.