What is the world like?

Before we can keep ourselves from conforming to the pattern of this world, we have to be aware of what this world is really like.

There are good and beautiful things (the things God intended in his original creation), and there are dark things too (the sinful things that have sprung forth from the fall).

Both of these categories are easy to spot, but what seems to be harder to see for most of us are the deceptive things of this world–the things that seem good, or at the very least, benign, and yet? They seem to do the most damage.

Those of us in the Western world would probably put "busyness" on that list. It's not a bad thing to have things to do, but when those things blind us to the brokenness in our homes and hearts, we've taken a turn down a road we were never meant to go down.

In that same category, we could probably put "ambition." For those of us who are from the U.S., we're more than well aware of the American Dream, the idea that anyone can be anything, and ultimately, we should strive to make more money, get better jobs, buy more things, because then? We'll be happy.

And when you break it down, those things aren't in and of themselves bad. More money can take care of our basic needs. A better job can bring security for our families. Things can help us function in our daily lives.

But if we're only focused on possessing, "more, more, more," then we're missing out on what God has already given us.

We fail to be content.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

Paul points out that joy can be had in any and every situation. And so, if we're blinded by what we "should" be doing based on society's terms (which are often aligned with the adversary's), then we may be missing out on what God has provided specifically for us.

In the next lesson, we'll learn more about who runs the world.