He is not to be conformed to this world (Rom. 12:2), of whom Satan is the god (2 Cor. 4:4) and Prince (John 12:31), but to keep himself unspotted from it (James 1:27), because its friendship is enmity with God, so that if he will be “A friend of the world,” he “Is an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
He is, therefore, not to love it, nor any of the things that are in it (1 John 2:15), all of which are comprised in “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,” and which are emphatically “not of the Father” (1 John 2:16).
He is to beware, therefore, of following the example of Demas, who forsook the right way, having loved this present world (2 Tim. 4:10), but is as a stranger and pilgrim (1 Peter 2:11) to expect tribulation in it, but to be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome it (John 16:33).
Such is the Christian course, as laid down in the Chart of God’s Word.
Shall we not seek to be more true to Him “until He comes”?