Hating the world

[Gordon]

A lot of people talk about being a stranger on Earth and not being of the world but everyone I have met seems more invested in this life than me. When I was a boy I looked in the mirror and would not believe it was really me that I saw. I always felt I was a soul that had a body. I have always felt like I was just going through the motions of life. Grades, achievements, most friendships, career, money, sex I pursued with little authenticity and a general dissatisfaction. The things people worry about I don't relate to. My hope is in God and something better. I feel very much a stranger here. If we are just here for a blink why does no one talk or act that way? Why do people find so much satisfaction in things that don't matter? I feel I have met very few wise people and have chosen to just go along with everyone else in halfheartedly pursuing things that I don't care about. I feel weird talking about this but I'm tired of feeling like an outsider with few people I connect with.

 

[JohnR]

a general dissatisfaction.

Sounds like Mick Jagger when almost 50 years ago he would sing: "I can't get no satisfaction". Even though he tried and tried and he tried. We are told that: "creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Perhaps only during worship do we feel this "glorious liberty".

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

A lot of people talk about being a stranger on Earth and not being of the world but everyone I have met seems more invested in this life than me. When I was a boy I looked in the mirror and would not believe it was really me that I saw. I always felt I was a soul that had a body. I have always felt like I was just going through the motions of life. Grades, achievements, most friendships, career, money, sex I pursued with little authenticity and a general dissatisfaction. The things people worry about I don't relate to. My hope is in God and something better. I feel very much a stranger here. If we are just here for a blink why does no one talk or act that way? Why do people find so much satisfaction in things that don't matter? I feel I have met very few wise people and have chosen to just go along with everyone else in halfheartedly pursuing things that I don't care about. I feel weird talking about this but I'm tired of feeling like an outsider with few people I connect with.

I agree with you Gordon, but it took me a long time to understand the feelings that were in me.
The world has a hook on everybody.
Those who overcome it are putting God first.
Many people just don't understand.
"We are aliens and strangers in this world", "we are soldiers for Christ", "we are ambassadors for Christ".
All these things tell us that we are separated from the world but people don't get it.
We have a heavenly citizenship and should act like it.
I'm sure people told me these things years ago and I just never got it.
All we can do is lovingly tell people this truth and hope that they receive it.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

A hope in God inspires a joy for life and a desire to lead others to what we have. What you're describing doesn't sound much like joy.

Romans 14 NASB
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
​

Happiness and joy for this life are not inconsistent with faith in Christ. In fact, we should find contentment in doing His work and living life for Him. It is a lifestyle. It can not be purchased or earned, nor does it exist in a place to which one may travel. Happiness is a perspective -- we may be happy or sad in every aspect of life. What is the Christian's key to happiness? Love the Lord, know that He will work all things together for good, and trust God that we will conquer the trials of life. Paul exemplifies this same confidence in the Lord when writing from prison saying: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).

Often times, the only thing keeping us from being happy is our own self. But, if our confidence rests in God rather than self, we will be happy having received the "peace of God, which surpasses al comprehension, [which] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7)

 

[Gordon]

I agree with you Gordon, but it took me a long time to understand the feelings that were in me.
The world has a hook on everybody.
Those who overcome it are putting God first.
Many people just don't understand.
"We are aliens and strangers in this world", "we are soldiers for Christ", "we are ambassadors for Christ".
All these things tell us that we are separated from the world but people don't get it.
We have a heavenly citizenship and should act like it.
I'm sure people told me these things years ago and I just never got it.
All we can do is lovingly tell people this truth and hope that they receive it.

People don't get it. Even the people I know who got it didn't talk about it. Sometimes I think I will have my own little corner of heaven where I hang out alone and Jesus stops by every once and awhile. I suppose everyone will eventually get it. I'd trade the whole thing for more moments of true connection and all I will take away are the feelings of unconditional love I felt. Everything else is duty out of love for Christ.

 

[Gordon]

A hope in God inspires a joy for life and a desire to lead others to what we have. What you're describing doesn't sound much like joy.

Romans 14 NASB
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
​

Happiness and joy for this life are not inconsistent with faith in Christ. In fact, we should find contentment in doing His work and living life for Him. It is a lifestyle. It can not be purchased or earned, nor does it exist in a place to which one may travel. Happiness is a perspective -- we may be happy or sad in every aspect of life. What is the Christian's key to happiness? Love the Lord, know that He will work all things together for good, and trust God that we will conquer the trials of life. Paul exemplifies this same confidence in the Lord when writing from prison saying: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).

Often times, the only thing keeping us from being happy is our own self. But, if our confidence rests in God rather than self, we will be happy having received the "peace of God, which surpasses al comprehension, [which] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7)

To me the joy for life is the hope in God. Life is a race to get through while being a responsible servant The apostles went around hoping life would be bad for them so they could have eternal glory. What I am saying is I don't find joy being of the world. Stock market goes up I gain money it goes down I lose money I don't care. I don't have material things I wish had. People worry how popular they are or how big there house is or how clean it is. People have hobbies that are part of their identity. TND you have opined on like everything in current events. I just don't really care if A-Rod is doping or whatever. I don't have a vested interest in worldly things. The deepest parts of me don't care what rich people pay in taxes. I am just passing through trying to have love for people. Solomon was wise and rich and had all the women he could ever want and it was all nothing without God. Everyone around me seems to have bought into this being a person of earth when it's not true. It's lonely when everyone cares about stuff you don't.

 

[farouk]

Paul says, 'Set your affection on things above' (Colossians 3.2).

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

It's lonely when everyone cares about stuff you don't.

I think that's the key statement in your post. I realize what you are saying, but I'm not sure you are as engaged with God as you say, otherwise, you would find joy in His world, in His creation, not the material things that creation produces but in the people who produce them. You would feel engaged in them, sharing with them the truths you have found in God and being joyous in presenting them. Perhaps you believe you are doing those things, but if you were, and if you were finding the joy you believe you have, you would not feel lonely. If nothing else, you have the fellowship of Jesus, and there is never a reason to feel lonely with Him.

You seem to say that my concern for this world and its current events indicate a tie to the world you don't have, and don't want. Well, you're right, I do have a tie to this world, but it is not what you may believe it to be. My tie to this world is exactly as I've described above. I have joy in His creation, in His people, those who know Him and those who don't. Because whether you believe it or not, they are His as well. He created them. He loves them, and is deeply saddened by their materialism, their sins, and elated when they turn even for a few brief moments toward Him in some way many of us don't catch. Certainly His love will not prevent Him from judging them should one of those turns toward Him not result in their seeing, for the first time, who He is, and desiring a relationship with Him, seeking how that can become real, and finding Jesus waiting there with open arms. He even knows which of them will not have that experience, and that tempers the joy He may feel in their brief recognition of His hand in their lives. It is those people whom I enjoy the most, because I don't have the knowledge of which of them will never truly know Him. So I dedicate my life to sharing with them who He is, and what He has done for me.

It is why I am engaged in the profession I'm in. It is why I care for what goes on in this world. He cares, so I do too.

 

[Gordon]

I don't know it just seems a lot of people really embrace things here with the attitude of telling Jesus that was fun what's next? The idea that this will all pass away seems like a thought that isn't quite real yet to most people. I am not saying I live as wisely as I should just that I never really bought into all this. Like my college roommate had all this sports knowledge and talked fantasy sports all the time. I had no problem with fantasy sports just with his belief that it mattered. I could never feel truly connected or spiritually fed when unimportant things matter. What people talk about on the news is so unwise. If your tie to the world is your love for people that is great. You have strong opinions on so many things I don't relate. I think Jesus would tell a lot of Americans to sell what they have and give to the poor. I will probably be working with a lot of the same types of people you do. I am hoping I meet more humbled people I connect with.

 

[Guest]

Gordon, regardless of the world's pettiness, could your hatred be towards the actual people in the world who are still walking in the world as sinners? Because the system won't be changing anytime soon, love the sinner hate the sin. Blessings.

 

[Gordon]

I love people I am just disappointed in people. I have no right to hate sinners as I was a big one myself. I feel as though we were made for much more than all of this. It's like the more you are really you not of this world the more the world hates you so you compromise and it eats away at you and you hate the world for it.

 

[iLOVE]

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

 

[farouk]

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

iLOVE: This is a searching verse, indeed. Very appropriate.

Blessings.

 

[JPPT1974]

As Christians, Christ targets sinners and not saints. At times, I feel like people disappoint me. But guess what? I disappoint them too. Due to being sinners. Christ targets sinners, not saints. As Christ on the other hand, wants us to focus on heaven our permanent home. And our "home" on the earth is only temporary. So love on this earth and show the love of Christ. No matter what. As He wants us to do that. Remember Christ was put down on this earth more than any other person in the past, present, and future even?!

 

[Guest]

I love people I am just disappointed in people. I have no right to hate sinners as I was a big one myself. I feel as though we were made for much more than all of this. It's like the more you are really you not of this world the more the world hates you so you compromise and it eats away at you and you hate the world for it.

Don't be disappointed in people because they can't see what you see. Don't be disappointed when the devil was the one that made the choice to sin first. He's the one that deceives people. We are made for much more, we will see this revelation in this life by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our next life. Be patient and humble my friend. The Bible teaches us to be in the world but not of it, meaning it's not teaching you to isolate yourself from everyone but to love on people while spreading the gospel. Love breaks barriers.

 

[Carolyn]

I have grown to realize that the things that bug me most agout other people are the things that God is removing from my own life. We see it the mòst when it is our own kids that do it. But normally when I see it almost everywhere I look, It is God trying to say something to me.
You mentioned yòur temptatiòn to compromise and that ýou get angry at the world for yòur failure.
God is trying to make yòu stronger. Satan is hoping ýou fail the test. Pray that God give yòu the way of escape.
I fell, compromised and backslid when I was your age. What I didn't understand was that there was no good thing in me but Jesus. I had no hope apart from Him. He needed to fill me again with His Spirit so that as I obeyed His directiòn and walked in Him I wòuld have no còndemnatiòn. Rom 8:1.. Also, I had to determin that I would make the hike by myself, regardless of whether I had anyone else to be with me. It meant enduring ridicule and going to çhurch by myself on a regular basis. I do pray that you find what God is trying to teach yòu. It may be very different from what I learned.

 

[iLOVE]

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

The good news is God's promise: as you behold Jesus, the Spirit of God has accepted the responsibility for you being transformed into what you behold. II Corinthians 3:18
How then do we behold Jesus? We behold Jesus by seeing Him in the word. Your part is to read the word of God daily. If you struggle making the word of God first in your life just pray. Jesus promise: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

 

[Gordon]

Thanks guys. I appreciate you allowing me to express what I feel. I hope I learn what God is trying to teach me too.