The Evil Human Nature
Paul, expressed a similar view of human nature which he called “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4). Jesus Christ, interceding for His apostles in His prayer to God the Father on the eve before His death, said: “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine” (John 17:9). And He added “… I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (verse 14,15).
We often get disillusioned because of our interaction with the world. That’s why Jesus calls His true followers to “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4); “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” (1 John 2:15-17).
Christ followers have little in common with the world “for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The Lord warns against any and every type of fellowship with unbelievers that would put the believers in situations where they find it hard or impossible to avoid compromising principle. This warning includes the marriage relationship (2 Corinthians 7:1), but is by no means limited to it.
Therefore, don’t look at the world and the human nature with all its evil and imperfections. This can get you down. Paul calls the believers to dwell only on what is good: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:4).
Look at Jesus instead. When Peter walked upon the water, he fell as he lost sight of Jesus (Matthew 14). When we look away from Christ, and look at the evil storms around, we will fall; but when we call on Him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. He said, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
