Murder. Inappropriate media. Rude strangers. Profanity. Harmful worldviews. We see these things everywhere throughout our daily lives.
Often, these things anger us. We may be frustrated, and we’re likely appalled as well at some of the things we see and hear. For example, think of when you heard that a celebrity has affirmed a sinful belief or a political figure has committed a sin. Were you shocked at their actions?
I’m guessing your answer is yes. But why? Why are we shocked when people scream death threats? Why are we shocked when people pretend to be something they genetically are not? Why are we shocked when people celebrate killing unborn babies? Why are we shocked when sinners follow what their nature dictates?
In 1 John 2:16 we read, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” These wicked behaviors we are shocked at are actually natural for those of the world, because they come from the world. For them, sin is normal. When they affirm other people’s ridiculous worldviews, laugh at coarse jokes, or believe modern lies, they are simply doing what their nature dictates.
Does this mean they’re not doing wrong and that we should accept their ideas? Definitely not! We should abhor wicked ideas and actions and pray for the salvation of those who are not Christians. However, it does mean that we shouldn’t be astonished when unbelievers act as their nature dictates. The only time we should be shocked by sin is when Christians, who are held to Christ’s standard, are sinning.
We also shouldn’t be surprised when unbelievers don’t want to change their thoughts or conduct. In fact, in John 3:19-20, we’re told to expect that response: “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” Again, this doesn’t mean that we don’t try to help them see where they are wrong; it just means that we can’t be shocked when they don’t want to change.
Not only does Scripture warn us that these behaviors are expected from unbelievers, but it also reminds us that Christians should not act according to their fleshly desires. As Ephesians 2:1-3 says, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” Though we formerly also acted like the world does, we should not do so anymore as believers. Instead, we should remember that we also used to act and think in this way, and should show humility and compassion while addressing these sins.
How should this affect us? We should let this spur us on to act differently so the world can clearly see that we belong to Christ and not the world. Remember what Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Just as the world acts as their nature dictates, we should act as our new nature dictates. (James 3:13-17)
We should also let this draw us closer to the Lord so we can continue to be in the world but not of it, as we’re told to do in John 17:14-16. As we strive to grow closer to Him, we should examine ourselves, making sure we’re not slacking in our duty to be lights in the dark world.
Though we shouldn’t be shocked at the way unbelievers talk, act, and think, we should be careful to not let ourselves slip into sinful habits just because we’re not shocked at their behaviors. Sin is normal for unbelievers, but we’re called to be like Jesus. Though those of the world will continue to act according to their nature, we can strive to talk, act, and think according to the new nature we have received from God.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
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