“Do not love the world or things in the world.” 1 John 2:15

Love God, but don’t love the world and the things in the world.

Oh, we would not do that, would we?

Let’s be honest. We all have flesh-filled hearts that are drawn to every shiny thing it seems.

Prone to wander…Lord, I feel it. I am prone to get caught up in chasing empty things, and even evil ways, if I’m not careful.

But what does loving the world actually look like? How can we know?

Once again, I appreciate how the Enduring Word commentary explains things like this, “loving the world is defined as “the giving of our time, attention and expense to the things of this world.”

I only have to scroll through social media, or turn on the television for about five minutes, to see countless examples of opportunities to get caught up in loving this world more than I love God.

We can quickly give our attention to things of this world and be steered off course if we are not deliberate to take every thought (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -1 John 2:16) captive to the obedience of Christ.

We need to ask ourselves routinely, what consumes our thoughts?

What’s distracting you right now? What takes up your time? Your money? What are you trying to accomplish today and why?

Is my motivation the applause of men or of God? Is what I’m accomplishing something that will bring temporal or eternal rewards?

Is what I’m doing for my own glory or for Gods?

Would I do the things I do if no one on this earth ever praised me?

Do I long to hear God alone say, “Well done my good and faithful servant” more than I long for the rewards of this world?

Friends,I believe the praise of this world is the very avenue the enemy has used to derail so many— including many pastors and teachers. Some started off solid (like Rick Warren) and then lose their way, and water down truth so they can continue to bask in the praise of this world.

We have to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and test everything so we can continue to abide in the Lord and do His will.

Yes, “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:17)

And it is in this abiding in God, rather than this world, that we produce eternal fruit; but it also there that we find a satisfying peace, hope and joy that cannot be taken away. ❤️

Have you experienced this to be true in your life? Or rather, the life you surrendered to God for His glory and your good?

This we know, God rewards those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6).

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Note – this is a continuation of my study of 1 John.