Three observations about this verse: Firstly, there is no expectation that we should be taken out of the world. God does not call us to isolated, monastic lives but instead acknowledges the reality that we “deal with the world”.

I wonder if we sometimes try too hard to promote an alternate Christian society with our own Christian schools, employment, entertainment, social circles, causes, books, conferences and more.

Secondly, Paul reminds us not to get too comfortable here. Though we do interact with the world we should be conscious that we are, “aliens and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13 NIV)

We are not on friendly terms with the values, priorities and means of this world because we are to be focused on the values, priorities and means of heaven.

James wrote that, “friendship with the world is hatred toward God.” (James 4:4 NIV) We should test ourselves to see how our habits and lifestyles demonstrate our preference for this world rather than God.

Finally, the verse warns us that what we see is coming to an end. An allegiance to this world is a poor investment because, “the present form of this world is passing away.” It is not sensible to offer a long-term commitment to something which will not be present in the long-term.

In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul emphasised this by writing that, “we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

Our temporary time here should increasingly be in sync with heaven. That is why we are taught to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 NIV)
Adam Bennett