In our modern secular world, it’s clear that the values of society are shifting away from God.
We are surrounded by a culture that increasingly prioritizes materialism, self-reliance, and moral relativism over faith, community, and the truth of the Gospel. The more secular the world becomes, the more it seems that belief in God and adherence to His Word are pushed to the margins. One verse that speaks directly to this situation is 1 John 2:15-17, which says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
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This passage provides us with a clear warning about the dangers of becoming too attached to the world’s values. In our modern secular society, the “lust of the flesh” manifests in the pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification. We live in a world that encourages indulgence—whether it’s through entertainment, food, or material possessions. Advertisements constantly tell us that we need more, that we deserve more. The message is always focused on satisfying our desires and seeking personal happiness, often without any thought for others or for God.
Yet, as Christians, we know that this is not what we are called to pursue. The Bible tells us in Philippians 3:19 that those who focus on earthly pleasures “mind earthly things” and that “their end is destruction.” The modern world encourages us to prioritize what feels good in the moment, but Scripture calls us to something deeper. We are meant to live for God’s glory, not for our own pleasure. The things of this world are temporary; they will fade away, but what we do for Christ will last forever.
Another danger of our secular world is the “lust of the eyes,” which refers to coveting what we see. In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded by images of wealth, success, and beauty. Social media plays a large role in this, presenting us with a curated view of other people’s lives that often makes us feel inadequate or envious. It’s easy to start comparing ourselves to others, wanting what they have, whether it’s material possessions, a seemingly perfect family, or a glamorous lifestyle. The world tells us that we need these things to be happy.
But Jesus warns us about this in Luke 12:15, where He says, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Our value does not come from what we own or how we appear in the eyes of others. In God’s kingdom, our worth is found in being His children, loved and redeemed by His grace. Coveting what others have only leads to discontentment and robs us of the joy that comes from knowing and following Christ.
The final warning in 1 John 2:16 is about the “pride of life.” Pride is at the root of much of the secular worldview. The modern world tells us that we are in control of our own destiny, that we can be whoever we want to be, and that we should rely on our own abilities and intellect to achieve success. We hear messages like “believe in yourself” and “you can do anything if you try hard enough.” This focus on self-sufficiency and self-promotion directly opposes the humility that Scripture calls us to embody.
Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” The pride of life causes us to forget our dependence on God. When we become consumed with ourselves—our accomplishments, our status, our power—we leave little room for God’s guidance. But the truth is, everything we have and everything we are comes from Him. We are not self-made; we are God-made, and we are fully dependent on Him for everything. James 4:6 tells us that “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” In a world that encourages us to elevate ourselves, we must choose humility, recognizing our need for God’s grace.
As we navigate this secular world, we must constantly remind ourselves that the things of this world are temporary. 1 John 2:17 tells us, “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” The pleasures, the possessions, the pride that the world offers are fleeting. They will pass away. But when we align ourselves with God’s will, we are participating in something eternal. The work we do for His kingdom has lasting significance.
In this modern age, where secular values dominate, it’s easy to feel out of place as Christians. We may feel like we are swimming against the current of culture, and in many ways, we are. But Jesus has called us to be different from the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our role in this secular world is to shine the light of Christ. We are not called to conform to the world’s values but to live in a way that reflects God’s truth. When we live with integrity, when we love others selflessly, when we pursue righteousness, we stand out. People will notice that we are different, and that difference points them to Christ. We have the opportunity to witness to the world by how we live.
At the same time, we must be vigilant not to allow the world’s values to infiltrate our own hearts. Romans 12:2 gives us clear instruction on this: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We are constantly being shaped by something—either by the world or by God’s Word. If we are not intentional about renewing our minds with Scripture, the secular messages of the world will begin to shape us.
One of the greatest challenges we face in this modern secular world is staying grounded in our faith while surrounded by distractions and temptations. The world offers so many alternatives to God—whether it’s the pursuit of wealth, success, pleasure, or self-fulfillment. But none of these things can satisfy the deep longing of our souls. Only God can fill that void. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” True joy, true fulfillment, is found in God’s presence, not in the things the world offers.
Another aspect of the secular world is the growing hostility toward Christian values. We see this in the media, in politics, and even in everyday conversations. Biblical truths that were once widely accepted are now often mocked or dismissed as outdated. As believers, we may face opposition or ridicule for standing firm in our faith. But we are not alone in this. Jesus told His disciples in John 15:18-19, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
We should not be surprised when the world opposes us, but we should take comfort in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. In John 16:33, He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Our hope is not in this world or its approval. Our hope is in Christ, who has already won the victory over sin and death. No matter how secular the world becomes, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that our future is secure in Him.
In the end, we are called to live in this world but not to be of it. We are called to be salt and light, to bring the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs it. And while the world may change, God’s truth remains the same. His Word is eternal, and His promises are sure. Let us continue to seek His will, to love others as He has loved us, and to be faithful witnesses in this modern secular world.
