The World’s Influence

Miscalculating my ability to resist the subtle influences of the world around me can result in not-so-subtle negative outcomes. I am called to be in the world, yet not of the world. What are my choices when the world’s sin and wickedness crowd in on me?

Sometimes running from temptation is the answer. Joseph fled from the insistent advances of Potiphar’s wife. (Genesis 39:12)

Sometimes avoidance is the answer. Paul told Timothy,

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be:

    • lovers of themselves, 
    • lovers of money, 
    • boasters, 
    • arrogant, 
    • abusive, 
    • disobedient to their parents, 
    • ungrateful, 
    • unholy, 
    • inhuman, 
    • implacable, 
    • slanderers, 
    • profligates, 
    • brutes, 
    • haters of good, 
    • treacherous, 
    • reckless, 
    • swollen with conceit, 
    • lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 
    • holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power.

Paul ends his list by saying,
Avoid them!  2 Timothy 3:1-5 NRSV (altered formatting)

Will you join me in avoiding the wicked as Paul advised and fleeing temptation as Joseph did. We will be glad that we did!

Sharing the journey with you,