In my struggle to demonstrate my fidelity to God, I must battle “the world,” “the flesh,” and “the Devil.” “The flesh” is the allure of difficult-to-control passions and my self-centered pride. “The Devil” is instigation by a spiritual being intent on misleading me, and “the world” is the influence of others, the nation I live in, and the culture and customs it presents to me.
All three are tough opponents, but the world is the most deceptive. I would not have expected the world, my fellow human beings, to mislead me. And yet, the world seems to have a mind of its own with its subtle influence promoting conduct I would ordinarily feel uncomfortable with.
I understand now the admonition of Jesus to be in the world but not of it.
Maurice A. Williams
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