The world has nothing to offer the child of God! We are not to be friends with the world because then we are an enemy to God.
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
These are strong words given to us. We need to heed them. Friendship is a fondness for the world system and the things in it. We cannot have it both ways. We are either in the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of the world. I sure do not want the Lord to be my enemy! That is a very fearful place to be!
To have joy in the world system would only be if the circumstances of life were perfect for us. But things are never just perfect…not for long anyway. We live in a fallen world with fallen things affecting us. Jesus found joy in the things He came to do for all of humanity!
. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Jesus shed His blood on the cross and rose again so that we too will rise and live for eternity with Him. He shouted from that cross “It is finished,” meaning He paid the price for us to be free from the bondage of sin. This brings great joy! Our salvation is what we have joy in, not the circumstances going on in our life!
“. . . Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.'" Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3
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