Do Not Love the World | 1 John pt. 4

The world the Lord created is magnificent beyond imagination, but humanity's descent into sin has turned it into a place of sin and chaos. While we know that the world is temporary and we need to live apart from the world, it can be so easy to lose our focus on God and become consumed in the distractions and temptations here on earth. The following passage addresses this sinful tendency and illustrates to us why we should keep our eyes on the Lord.

Read 1 John 2:15-17

(v. 15) When John mentions the "world," he is not talking about the physical earth but about humanity's sinful, fallen way of living. John warns us not to love this way of life or the evil things it offers. If we love our lives of sin, we cannot love God.

(v. 16) John mentions three temptations the world offers: 1) "the desires of the flesh" or a longing for physical pleasure, 2) "the desires of the eyes" or wanting the things we see, and 3) "the pride of life" or pride in our worldly possessions and accomplishments. These temptations are not from God, but rather from the world. Thus, we should not be filling our lives with these world sins and instead focus our eyes on the Lord.

(v. 17) The world will not last for eternity, and neither will the things in it; one day the world and its possessions will cease to exist, and those who choose to put their faith in worldly temptations will see the same fate. However, God is eternal and will stand strong as the world fades away. If we choose to devote our lives to doing God's will, we will live forever with Him in heaven.

The Lord wants us to enjoy the life He gave us, and it isn't wrong to do things on earth that bring us joy and contentment. The problem arises when our worldly desires overtake God's place in our hearts or if we take part in sinful enjoyment that isn't pleasing to God. If we live our lives for the world, we cannot live the life of a follower of Christ. In the end, the world, its possessions, and the people who chose to live for worldly enjoyments will all fade away. On the other hand, those who chose to follow God will abide with Him for eternity.

Today, are you taking part in any forms of worldly enjoyment that would not be pleasing to God? Or, are you indulging in pleasures that may not be sinful, but are nonetheless distracting you from your walk with Christ? I encourage you to refocus on the Lord, the only One who can bring you true, sustainable joy. Living a life for Christ does not mean living a boring life! Enjoy the blessings on earth and use them to praise God for the life He gave you. Worldly desires may bring you happiness for a time, but God can bring you joy for eternity.

Sources:

https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/2/1-John-2-15.html