Worldlings

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work"- Philippians 4:1 (NLT).

We must remain true to Jesus. Those who endure till the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). To endure, we must fully give our lives over to Jesus (Matthew 16:25). He is that pearl of great wealth, that treasure found in the field, that requires giving up everything (Matthew 13:44-46). Chasing after and clinging to the treasures of this world transforms us into "worldlings," changing our desired post-world citizenship. The rich young ruler looking for eternal life, who couldn't let go of his wealth (Matthew 19:16-22), had unseen shackles, like Scrooge's ghostly partner, which were link by link weighing him down, keeping him from true freedom, which can only found in One. The young ruler was a "worldling." Paul's plea was out of love and longing to see his brothers and sisters, whether in this world or in heaven, for a glorious reunion and celebration of remaining true to the Lord.