Earthly things

[liveforjesus]

Many times the bible refers to earthly/worldy things and evil pleasures. What exactly are these things? Is it safe to assume things that do not harm others are not evil?

 

[daveleau]

Worldly things are things that take the focus of your life away from God and/or are against God's Word. ie the sexual nature of TV today, acceptance of homosexuality, acceptance of abortion, gambling, being driven only by money, etc. While some of these do not appear to be harmful to others, they are harmful to our spirit. As Christians, if we focus on these things, it causes the Holy Spirit to withdraw in our lives. It does not leave, for it never leaves once we invite it in through belief of Jesus Christ as our personal saviour, but its influence in our life is lost.
There are some things that DO harm others that are not evil. For instance, defending yourself against attack can cause harm to others, but is not evil. What the effect on other people is less of a factor than whether or not something is God's Will or for the glory of God. (Do not read that anything done to glorify God is good. It must be pleasing to God to glorify Him.)