Choosing Between the World and God

Choosing between the world and God challenges us to resist cultural pressures and let the Lord, not the world, rule our hearts and choices.

“‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you … from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ But today you have rejected your God … you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’”—1 Samuel 10:18–19

Long before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God told them that one day, they would desire to have a king like the nations around them. Although He warned them in advance regarding the consequences, Israel did this very thing.

After God selected Saul to be their first king, the prophet Samuel reminded them how the Lord had faithfully guided, protected, and blessed them. But now they were rejecting Him and following the ways of the world, wanting to be like everyone else.

In the years to come, they discovered that God’s warnings were true. Kings could be wise, but also foolish; they often focused on personal rewards and power instead of on the needs of the people; and the political process itself could explode into rivalries and disputes, leading the nation away from God.

Just as He did for Israel, God promises to provide for us, direct us, teach us, and protect us. But we, too, can be tempted to follow the ways of the world, thinking we can find solutions in worldly wisdom, human traditions, or the promises of politicians. While these solutions can appear plausible, God’s ways are the only ones that will bring lasting results.

Commit yourself to seeking God’s everlasting pathways. Fill your life with God’s Word and put it into practice. Surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Question: When are you most tempted to follow the world instead of God?