I Samuel 8:6
“But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD.”
The surrounding nations all were governed by kings. Israel didn’t feel confident with the leadership of Samuel’s sons. This was an opportunity for those who wanted to be governed by a king. The people came en mass and gave this request to Samuel.
Worldly culture has an appeal. The Devil tempted Jesus by offering worldly power (Matthew 4:8,9). Jesus came to save the world. Satan tried to thwart that by making a deal. Avoiding the cross was very appealing to Jesus. On the eve of the crucifixion, He asked the Father if it was necessary (Matthew 26:39). Satan took advantage of His vulnerability, by offering worldly power.
The world is one of the three temptations (Ephesians 2:1-3). John gives reasons why we aren’t to love the world: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world”, (I John 2:16).
Lust is that sinful craving within. There are two types, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes. The lust of the flesh is the improper fulfilling of our human drives: gluttony, fornication and so on. The lust of the eyes is wanting things. It’s natural to work for items. It becomes wrong when things become idols.
Lastly, the world promotes the boastful pride of life. It’s good to want to improve one’s self. It’s the motive that important. If we do it to impress, then it becomes sinful.
Our motives can veer into prideful attitudes. That’s why we need to stay connected to God. Psalm 139: 24 says, “And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” The Lord points out the prideful areas. We are to submit to these revelations.
Lord, help us to avoid the sinful allure of the world. Give us the strength and resolve to follow Your voice.