Should Christians flee worldliness?

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: As Christians we are called to go into the whole world with the good news of the Gospel; yet, some say (which I think is a bit out of date) that Christians should flee worldliness. What does this mean and does the Bible actually say this? – W.W.

A: Worldliness has been vastly misunderstood on the part of thousands of Christians. Too many times, we’re concerned with how much, instead of how little, like this world we can become. We may act as if it doesn’t matter how we live or what we think or say – we have moved in with the world, and have allowed the world to penetrate the way we live. As Christians, we are not to get our worlds mixed up. We are not to mingle with the world, but we are to witness to the world.

The Bible says, “For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16, NKJV).

Worldliness speaks of the world system of evil, and we are to be separated from it. This system permeates the whole of life and human society, and it needs to be guarded against constantly and strenuously.

This then is our problem; to associate with and love those who are involved in the world without being contaminated, influenced, or swayed by them. How do we counter the trend of worldliness? We must saturate our minds, hearts, and souls with God’s Word. The Bible says, “Train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7, NLT). It is easy for Christians to allow themselves to be squeezed into the world’s mold. When unbelievers see nothing different in the lifestyle of Christians, they wonder if our witness for Christ is sincere. Those who have actually experienced daily fellowship with Jesus know that it surpasses all worldly activities.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)