This is the root of all our Christian difficulty.  Befriending people, places and pursuits to the point of chasing them instead/over a relationship with God is tantamount to self immolation.  Yet, this is the scenario God has created into which we are placed to compete, struggle, transform and participate.  I cannot hate the world for that is opposite of God’s declaration.  The only reason I have chance at redemption is because of God’s love for this world.  If not for grace, my sin and imminent damnation would be inevitable, but because I accepted God’s offer of forgiveness, I can now have truth in hope.  The challenge for me is how to participate in the world in such a manner that reflects God’s Love but refuses to bring dishonor upon the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit or the Father.  A good point of concentration for me has been upon quenching of the Holy Spirit.  If any action I have taken or avoided would upset the person of the Holy Spirit then I must bring that episode before God in prayer for transformation.  This brings a bit of clarity to friendship with the world, allowing me to interact in such a way which complies with God’s direction instead of violating His sensibilities.

Looking upon the competitive life of Paul, the sacrifice of James, the obedience of Daniel or Joseph provides me consistent cause for humility.  If I am not humbled, then I am probably caught in the veils of arrogance or self-denial, both are opportunities for failure in the eyes of God.  If I remain vigilant in the armor of God, remain conscious of the mind of Holy Spirit and reflective upon the humility of saints before me then I am “properly prepared” for battle and appropriately placed in relation to this world’s enticements.  There is not a single one of us who likes being embarrassed or unprepared for the situations we must face.  None of us would knowingly go into battle without proper training, equipment or preparative planning, yet this is what the majority of believers do on a consistent and daily basis.  Why?  The answer is painful yet simple, we have let down our guard and befriended a world which cares not for our eternal salvation, sanctification and either denies or fears the Glorious Appearing of Christ.

If your intention is eternity with God, then repent and sin no more, seeking God at every opportunity for relationship.  If your intention is rapture then fill your vessel with the oil of the Holy Spirit so that you may have the light necessary for the journey.  If your intention is to meet God then pursue righteousness and His glory with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.  If your intention is enmity with God, then simply continue in complacency or lusts of the flesh and greed for your success of this nature is assured and equally eternal.

Praise God the He forgives me, without His forgiveness there would be no hope.  I love you Father and thank you that Jesus died for all of us.