Choosing Worldly Things 

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19).

The Bible is clear that we cannot put more value on worldly things than spiritual things and please God. Paul tried to make this point in his letter to the Philippians. He says those who overly value earthly things are enemies of Christ and headed for destruction. Christians shouldn't be seeking worldly success.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

This doesn't mean that Christians won't be successful. God does bless His children and enjoys doing so. But it's like the love of money. Money itself is not evil, but "the love of money is the root of all evil." Success is not wrong in itself, but seeking worldly success above God certainly is.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).

Jesus tells us that no one can serve two masters equally. They will love one more than the other. We cannot love and serve both God and the world because their values are opposed to each other. We must make a choice. Will we seek the things of this world or the things of the next?

. . . whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4b).

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