After the Amen: the influence of the world

One of the greatest enemies to being "constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of sound doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:6) is the continual droning of the world all around us with its siren songs. If you love the world, it will affect your friendships, decisions, thought life, conscience, passion for God, much more.

So, what effect is the world having on you? Do you see how it brings subtle and relentless pressures on you? Do you see how it creeps up on you little by little? Are you missing it?

Jerry Bridges has written “The world. . . is characterized by the subtle and relentless pressure it brings upon us to conform to its values and practices. It creeps up on us little by little. What was once unthinkable, then becomes thinkable, then doable and finallly acceptable to society at large. Sin becomes respectable, and so Christians finally embrace it. It is my perception that Christians are no more than five to ten years behind the world in embracing most sinful practices.”

We have to think real carefully about how the world influences us right now through television, music, movies, the Internet, friendships. Here are some questions to consider:

1.What are your favorite TV shows, movies, and bands?
2.What values do they promote?
3.How do their values compare to the Word of God?
4.Do you critically evaluate TV shows, your music? How?
5.Is there anything you refuse to watch or listen to. Why?
6.What types of Internet sites do you tend to visit?
7.How do you determine which sites are worth exploring?
8.Do you think your entertainment habits please God?
9.What qualities do you look for in friends?
10.Do you see these qualities in your current friends?
11.Do your friends influence you toward godliness or worldiness?