FORTUNE, FAME, POWER, PLEASURE.
First and foremost: FORTUNE, MONEY. The world system is driven by money; it feeds on materialism.
Second: FAME. That is another word for popularity. Fame is the longing to be known, to be somebody in someone else's eyes.
Third: POWER. This is having influence, maintaining control over individuals or groups or companies or whatever. It is the desire to manipulate and maneuver others to do something for one's own benefit.
Fourth: PLEASURE. At its basic level, pleasure has to do with fulfilling one's sensual desires. It's the same mindset that's behind the slogan: "If it feels good, do it."
Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.219.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
Walk not in the counsel of the ungodly
Walk – to go along with, proceed, live in the manner of
Counsel – advice, wisdom
To walk in the counsel of the wicked is to go alongside of the world and do as they do, lending an ear to their distorted wisdom.
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right unto a man, but its end is the way of death.”
It has been sadly said that today’s church is imitating the world much more than the world is imitating the church.
1 Corinthians 3:19-20 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
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Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
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