How to Know If You Are of the World.

The Christian is to be in the world but not of the world.
But how do you know if you are of the world or of the Word?
This question haunted me.

Should I own a house? Save money for the future?
Is watching movies acceptable?
Scrupulosity (a psychological disorder primarily characterized by obsessive guilt associated with religious norms) took hold.

Our Lord is emphatic:
“My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36).
“I have chosen you out of the world” (Jn 15:19).
“The world will persecute you” (Jn 15:20).
“He who loves the world, the charity of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15).
“He who is a friend of the world is an enemy of God” (Jas 4:4).
“My peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27).

What peace does the world offer?

The world promises that if you have any one of the 6 P’s you will have peace.

Prestige – human honors and accolades.

Prominence – to be popular, famous.

Power – the ability to direct and manipulate people and situations for one’s benefit.

Profit – security in wealth.

Possessions – status derived from what we own.

Pleasure – the comfort that eclipses all suffering and pain.

Yet regardless of how much any of the six P’s one has, we never obtain the seventh ‘P’ – peace.

Ask any alcoholic, heroin addict, gambler, porn addict, financial investor, who wants more money, or YouTuber who wants more subs and views…
It is never enough.
Why? Because God created us for the infinite.

It is impossible that a creature can satisfy a heart that is made for its Creator.

The World and the Word appear to be very similar: both offer peace, glory and pleasure.
World and word are spelled the same, except for one letter—‘L’ in world…

The ‘L’ stands for lie.
It’s a deception.

Its ruler promises heaven on earth.
But striving to make your heaven on earth becomes a personal hell.
Life on Earth is not heaven, but preparation for it.
Those who live for the world exchange eternal glory for temporal passivity.

It is against the 6p’s that I examine my motivations daily…
This is how I determine whether I am of the world or of the Word.