1 John 2:15-17 ESV 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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
The difference between true biblical Christianity and the false message we often come up against is the hatred of the things of this world and everything that pertains to it. Hating the world means to live according to the word of God, following His ways and statues as our standard and to renounce the ways and doctrines of society. These sometimes-unspoken rules that are communicated to the hearts of nations through films, marketing, values, systems and culture are the world and they are opposed to the ways of God. The world promotes rebellion and forgetfulness concerning God and eternity, causing people to live for this life alone, while neglecting the urgently needed care of their souls.
In order to truly hate the world we must hate our carnal man, our old man also known as our adamic nature without this utter disdain and hatred living an authentic Christian life is impossible because the natural tendency of our flesh is to pursue and desire things that take us out of the will and purposes of God. Jesus set the standard and was a living example. It is through death alone that we are to gain true life. It is the death, mortification of our members that makes us alive in the spirit. As long as we are alive and kicking in the flesh, we can never be partakers of the authentic things of the spirit. There is also nothing we can give in exchange to the requirement of dying daily, we can’t give good deeds or knowledge. God requires Adam dies so that Christ can live in and through us.
This is a constant battle. It is only when we attempt to live this life as true disciples of Christ that we come face to face with the unseen battle of the saints, who wrestled tirelessly until Christ was fully formed in them. Ease, excessive worldly care and lack of this inward struggle is evident that you have yet to begin the race or you have strayed off of the path to salvation. But God is so faithful He is knocking at the door, can you hear Him? He is daily attempting to get your attention above the distractions and busyness of this age.
Dear Heavenly Father remove everything in me that is drawn to and is in love with the world. I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit that you cleanse me from the inside out. Wash me, cleanse me and purge me the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Lord I surrender my heart, mind, soul, spirit into your hands and I say have your way in me and through me in Jesus mighty name.
Much Love in Christ,
Your Sister,
Ruth 
Pursuing Holiness
Biblical Counsellor | Spiritual Director | Leadership Coach
