MINDSET OF THE
WORLD
INTRODUCTION
Mindset of the world has evolved into an escapism from God; with mindset being one's mental attitude that determines how one interprets or responds. Our electronic world is helping introduce the mindset of an ungodly environment; with an introduction to sinful ways that would have been considered alien in previous years.
Escapism is an inclination to retreat from traditional ways; when new provocative ways are introduced that are more appetizing; as happened in the Garden of Eden. Scripture reveals: And when the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that is was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband (Adam) with her; and he did eat (Genesis 3:6).
The fruit that was forbidden by God; was made appealing as an inducement for its consumption, partaken of, then passed on to another. This is the same method of temptation today; with consumption leading to an escapism from the norm which is not what God originally intended for mankind.
Mindset of the World
Former Morals
In the Garden of Eden, Eve was questioned by the serpent concerning the forbidden fruit that God would restrict man's freedom of choice, with Eve's response being: We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it lest you die. The serpent's response: You shall not surely die (Genesis 3:2-4).
The serpent, as an instrument of Satan, determined to undermine God's Word; focused on the one tree that could not be partaken of. Introduction towards sin (fleshly attraction towards it); is being introduced in like manner to usher in the ungodliness of man. The mindset of the world towards acceptance (as the case of Adam and Eve); rather than rejection, is being wholeheartedly endorsed today.
Perilous Times
Escapism is a dissociation, evasion, or withdrawal. Apostle Paul wrote: This know also, that in the last days (which we are in) perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1). Some of the characteristics of that time are mentioned in the same text: Men shall be lovers of their own selves, despisers of those that are good, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. It was noted that a form of godliness is mere religion without power or spiritual life.
Many today who profess the name of Christ are not walking in the newness of life in Christ. They have not been freed of the old life (prior to conversion). Apostle Paul wrote: Let us walk honestly (properly), as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness) and wantonness (lewdness), not in strife and envying. But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:13-14).
It was noted that one should not seek opportunities to satisfy the deep-seated desires of the sin nature, but should seek occasion to manifest works that are consistent with a new life in Christ. Apostle Paul wrote: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. Be not conformed to this world (the mindset of the world); but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Turning Away From
the Truth
The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, a young evangelist, to preach the Word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine; for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
It was noted that preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Those who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. A legendary evangelist of the first Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney stated: Brethren, our preaching will bear its legitimate fruits: If immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours to a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it.
If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of Justice, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this fact; but let us lay it to heart, and awake to our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation.
Those words still ring loud and clear today; even more meaningful than when first spoken. There are those tasked with the promulgation of God's Word who have become slack in doing so. There are those who have failed to push back the plate of acceptance; by accepting the mindset of the world, and walking away from their given responsibility towards God's Word.
God's Readiness to Hear
a Repentant People
The mindset of the world has opened the door for all forms of evil to reign being promoted by laws and judicial rulings to help its advancement. In Greek mythology a story is told of a box sent by the gods to Pandora, which she was forbidden to open. She opened the box out of curiosity and loosened a swarm of evils upon mankind; a prolific source of troubles.
Many nations are experiencing such a turmoil; caused by a mindset of leaving God out of the picture, and suffering the consequences for having done so. God's Word encourages a return to Him: If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith. This verse is an high expression of God's loving readiness to hear the prayers of a repentant people.
Day of the Lord
Apostle Peter wrote: The Lord is not slack concerning his promises (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). It was noted that God is not willing that any should perish clearly expresses desire for the salvation of all who will trust in Him.
The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heart, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:10-11).
It was noted that the Day of the Lord refers to the return of Christ in judgment. The elements shall melt with fervent heat infers the necessity of one's looking beyond this present world to the new heavens and earth. Apostle Peter noted: Nevertheless we (believers in Christ), according to his (God's) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).
Door of Repentance
Let us pray that the door of repentance will be sought; rather than judgment being unleashed. Let us pray that the mindset of the world will steer one away from judgment; not relishing in the ungodliness of man.
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit (punish) them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 6:15). Do we find such an attitude existing today; with the mindset of the world forsaking God; with salvation through Christ being openly rejected?
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