The Challenge of Worldliness

 The Challenge of Worldliness    by Dr. D. James Kennedy

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. The world and its desires are passing away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.      1 John 2:15-17

The average worldling, like a mole in its dark hole, walks in the darkness of this world without the slightest inkling of God’s love and mercy or of the gracious and free atonement and salvation that God offers to those who acknowledge that they are sinners.

We have seen many times that the world in its “wisdom” has flown right into the face of God’s wisdom. For decades they follow the attractions of the world, only to find that they have created yet another disaster.

There was a great preacher by the name of Bud Robinson who proclaimed the Gospel in various parts of the world. Then he visited New York City for the first time, and his friends took him on the grand tour of the city. He saw New York in all of its glory. That night he knelt to pray, and this is what he said: “Lord, I thank you that once in my life I had the opportunity of seeing the great city of New York. And Lord, I thank you even more that I didn’t see one thing that I wanted.

Dear Matt,                                         October 24, 2022         

If I understand correctly, my letter is on file and another one is not necessary because it would essentially be redundant.  I want to be helpful so please clarify what I don't understand.

Do you have any plans to further your academic work?  You are a very capable writer and attaining a masters or a doctorate are well within the realm of possibility for you.  It would certainly delight your old teacher to learn you are pursuing the next level of achievement.

You have football fans pegged quite accurately.  Although your father is cheering for the opposite side of the state, his level of "fandom" is well recognized!  I

 read an article where Franco Harris's son had run for mayor of Pittsburgh and lost.  I can't believe that.  There is a statue of his father's Immaculate Reception in the Pittsburgh Airport -- that's how much those folks think about one of their greatest players.  The Steelers were often referred to as "Franco's Italian/American Army."  His father was a U.S. soldier in Italy and his mother was an Italian lady.  Unlike Terry Bradshaw, who hates Pittsburgh, Franco is still living there. 

I'm signing off with love and prayers and a request for clarification.  If another letter is necessary, please resend the address information.  I have misplaced it.

You know you're loved and prayed for,