1 John 2:15 (ESV): Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
It is hard for me to not think about worldly things. After all, I live in the world. I kind of like the stuff that is in the world. I like my home, my cars, my bed, my pond. I think you get the idea. It is really easy for me to get caught up with what I find in this world. The stuff is nice.
John, the author of 1st John, was one of the 12 that Jesus originally chose. He spent much time with Jesus and gave up his home to be with and travel with Jesus. He chose wisely. He gave up the temporary in order to obtain the eternal.
I’m not John, and I don’t live like John lived. But my goodness, John challenges me with his words.
I need to understand the above verse with the explanation found in the next two verses: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:16-17, ESV)
I can now comprehend what John is talking about. When I desire the world more than I desire God, then I have my priorities way out of order. I think it is like when Jesus said that I need to “hate” my own family. He was saying that in comparison to my love for God, everything else pales.
I believe this applies to my love for the world too. If I like or love anything in this world more than I love God, then I am not aligned with God. I believe this applies to my family, to my stuff, and even to my beliefs. Everything in my life should pale in comparison to my love for God.
Prayer: God Almighty, I confess that it is so easy for me to focus on the things of this world. What I want is to submit myself to you completely. May I be a good steward of the stuff and a lover of You. I let go and I let You be in charge.
