Dead to this World.

     But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Gal 6:14 KJV).

     There are many people who believe that we can fix this world. In fact, many Christians are of the opinion that we can make this world a better place through the power of the gospel. In a sense I can agree with this sentiment. It is true that as people are saved, and their lives changed, they begin to treat those around them differently. They are now honest, compassionate, and loving. They exhibit the fruit of the Spirit with those they encounter on a daily basis (Gal 5:22-23). In that respect you could say that they world has been made better, one soul at a time.
     But the reality is that this world is exceeding wicked. It was wicked in the days of Noah (Gen 6:5), and will be just as wicked at the Lord's return (Matt 24:12, 37). The bible tells us that there is a spirit at work in the sons of disobedience (Eph 2:2-3). Mankind spends his days fulfilling the lusts of his flesh and mind. That is why we see so much wickedness in this world today. There is a mystery of lawlessness at work in this world, and things will only grow worse (2 Thess 2:7). We are warned that perilous times will come, where mankind plunges deeper and deeper into sin and selfishness, even turning his ears away from the truth (2 Tim 3:1-5, 4:3-4). Sadly, this world cannot be fixed. All attempts to fix it through political power, legislating morality, social reforms, and by any other natural means, will only end in failure. 
     Instead of a better world someday, we read that this world will in fact be destroyed by God. John tells us that the world with all of its lusts is passing away (1 John 2:17). Peter writes this concerning the destruction of the world,

     But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10 KJV).

     We read in Revelation 21:1 KJV,

     And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

    God calls to us to come out from among them and be separate (2 Cor 7:17) We are to come out of this wicked world system so that we are not partakers of its sins and its judgment (Rev 18:4). This is what the gospel does for those who believe it! Jesus came to redeem us from this present evil age (Gal 1:4). In the above verse, Paul speaks of the cross of Christ as a barrier between him and the world. Through the cross, he has died to the world; turned his back on it with all of its evil ways. Through the cross, the world has lost its attraction, it no longer holds its power over the one who by faith has reckoned himself "crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20). 
     Once again, this present world will not be fixed. Our remedy is to come out of it, forsaking its ways. Paul says, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2 KJV). John tells us that to love this world is to not love God. What is this world that we are not to love? We are told that it consists of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-16). When we live for the temporal things of this life, we have become guilty of loving this world! When we make our choices based upon what looks good to our eyes, what feels good, what give us pleasure, what makes us happy, we are living for the lust of the flesh and eyes. When we spend our days bettering ourselves, impressing our friends and neighbors; when we are consumed with power and the opinions of men, we are guilty of pride. This is the force that drives this world. People are consumed by fashions, impressing others with clothing and appearance; or by job performance; climbing the corporate ladder. Pride drives us to do many such things, even subtle things that we would think were benign, yet if tainted with pride, deadly to our souls. Like Paul, our only glory should be in the cross of Christ and the "life through death" that it brings.
     You see, the individual who has renounced this world with its prideful ways, has now been set free from this rat race. The person crucified with Christ is no longer consumed by the temporal things of this life. Pride and fleshly lusts no longer hold control over this individual, who by the grace of God is now led by a higher principle than lust. It is now Christ living through the believer. Love is the motivation behind the action. Those things that cannot be done in love, and for the glory of God are not done. The crucified believer understands that this world is passing away, and looks for a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. They are careful in their conduct, being diligent to be found in peace without spot or blemish at the return of Christ (2 Peter 2:11-14). They are consumed by Christ, and not by the things this world offers; its entertainments, pleasures, and so forth.
     We cannot fix this world. Our only option is to renounce its ways, to come out of it, to die to ourselves, so that we may truly live. What we are called to do, is to bring others with us; to present the gospel to them, so that others may also flee from the wrath to come, experience this crucified life, and be set free.