The Christian and the World by I. C. Herendeen

The world is one of the Christian’s three great enemies, along with the flesh and the devil. According to I. C. Herendeen, the world represents the kingdom of Satan, populated by the unregenerate part of humanity. It is fallen human nature in rebellion against God and acting under the influence of the devil. While we are in the world, we must not be of the world—always aware of God’s command, “Be not conformed to this world” (Rom. 12:2). Not only that, but we should consider ourselves travelers in a foreign land, for this world was never meant to be our home. On the other hand, Herendeen cautions us not to stand aloof from all relationships with unconverted people; our Lord certainly did not. In the end he challenges us, “Persevere in your separation from the world…you will never regret having lived too holy and too separated a life.”