We live in a physical world, and as a result we react to physical things. What we see has an effect on us. We behold beautiful people, buildings, clothes and admire them. We recognise and acknowledge fame and riches. The world tries to lure us into things that really are not priority with God.
James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
God is a very jealous God. He wants to take first place in our lives. He desires to be priority in all our endeavours. We cannot seek after earthly riches and fame whilst ignoring God or putting Him second place, and think He will be okay with it. It is either He is the most important person and God of our lives, or that other things are most important to us and the gods in our lives.
The world can offer us beautiful things to the eye, it can present to us things that will boost our pride, and gratify our lusts. But behind these attractive things lies destruction. Being one with the world makes you a hater of God, awaiting eternal condemnation. Jesus faced the same temptations we face. The devil showed him the beauty of Earth, and promised to give it all to Him, provided He would bow to him, Satan. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Jesus refused to worship Satan. He refused the World and its pleasures. When He took this decision, Satan left Him, and God sent help His way. When we say no to the world and its luring lusts, we indirectly say no to Satan and his kingdom, and respond to friendship with God. When God sees our hearts seeking after Him, He will help us to become what He desires us to be. Satan will have no choice than to flee from us.
Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
WHAT IS NEXT?
