Apart from the physical planet earth, the world is often used in the New Testament in spiritual terms to refer to the corrupt world system (e.g., 1 John 2:16, 4:5). It is a reference to a system where self-centeredness, appearances, and ambition reign. We are urged not to love this world because it is at odds with Christ (e.g., 1 John 2:15-17, John 15:19). But how can we know if we love the world in this sense? We can look to the word of God for the answers.

New Creations in Christ

Believers in Christ are born again into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). They are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) peculiar people (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9)—the purchased possession of God who are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ His Son (Romans 8:29).

A major component of that image is that, in Christ, we are in the world but no longer of the world (John 17:14–16, John 18:36). We are called to come out from the world in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. We are likened to pilgrims and heavenly citizens passing through this world (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 13:14). This has a connection to Colossians 3:1–2—if we have been born again, we ought to be seeking those things which are above.

Jesus taught that if the world hates us, it was because it hated Him first (John 15:18), because Jesus was not of the world, did not think like the world, nor exhibited its practices. The inference is that the world will hate Christ in us (John 15:19) which will be evident when we are seeking those things which are above.

Reflecting on God’s Word

The passages referenced above are not all there are. However, they contain elements to questions we can ask ourselves to answer the question: Do I love the world? The following are several scripturally based reflective questions that come to mind:

1. Am I living as a new creation in Christ (born again) or as an old creation (the old man)?
2. Am I walking in this world as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven or as a citizen of the world? Which kingdom do I identify more with?
3. Am I humbly submitting myself to be conformed to the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit’s leading and teaching or resisting it?
4. Am I seeking those things which are above, or do I look for the latest worldly trends? That is, am I desirous to know more from the word or from the world?
5. Is my mind occupied with God or with the world? Where are my thoughts typically?
6. Are my eyes looking up to God or am I distracted by the things of this world?
7. Am I looking out for others (loving and giving) or looking out for myself only (self-centered)?
8. Am I concerned about developing the inner spirit (spiritual growth) or more concerned about the outward appearances (physical and aesthetic temporal improvements)?
9. Do I seek God’s will in matters, or do I pursue my own will?
10. Am I enjoying the things of God, or am I enjoying the pleasures of sin more?
11. Am I convicted when I do enjoy the pleasures of sin, or have I become desensitized to sin?
12. Does the world see Christ in me and avoid me, does it ask questions about my faith, or does it see itself in me and want to hang out with me?

Of course, believers are told that we cannot completely separate ourselves from the world (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:9-10), but we do not have to be of the world (John 15:19-20).

In Philippians 3:15, Paul tells the church that God will reveal our errors if we are otherwise minded. Therefore, by pursuing Christ, as Paul did (Philippians 3:8-14), we will know where we are weak. If we discover we are, the throne of Grace is open to all in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Parting Words

In the end, this question can only be answered by you with the Holy Spirit’s illuminating guidance. Ask God to reveal areas in your life where the world has taken hold. If you see yourself as more inclined to the world in certain areas and or attached to the things of this world, confess it, and ask God for more grace. Remember, in Christ, every believer has an inexhaustible supply of grace available to them (John 1:16, Hebrews 4:16).

END

Jerry is a bi-vocational missionary pastor-teacher in the Philippines with educational attainments ranging from bachelor to doctorate degrees in various fields. He has been writing since he was a child and continues to this day through articles, blogs, devotions, e-books, and more.