Do Not Love the World (Part One)

Do Not Love the World (Part One)

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17 NAS95).

If asked, “Do you love the world?” one might say, “No, of course not.” This is certainly the response that believers would hope to give. However, let us examine this subject more closely. 

Three areas are mentioned in this text: first, the lust of the flesh. This temptation relates to our physical being. When the devil tempted Jesus, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:4). This is a twofold attack, as it targets Jesus' hunger and tempts Him to be prideful. This attack is alive and well in our society today.

Here are some examples: KFC’s slogan “Finger Lickin’ Good”; Burger King's original slogan, "Have it Your Way"; and Wrigley’s, “Double Your Pleasure.” Although these examples may not seem nefarious, they are appeals to satisfy the flesh. More serious temptations are made through television and cable to indulge in sinful sexual activity.

Do these temptations have an impact on believers? Well, if you look at obesity rates in the United States, you could come to that conclusion. Weight loss pills are among the most popular drugs on the market today. Relating to sexual temptations, divorce rates are around 40%. That is actually down some, but cohabitation has increased. Fewer people are getting divorced because they are choosing not to get married at all.

So, how do we resist this temptation? Jesus’ response was, “It is written, ‘man shall not live by bread alone.’” What can we take from this response?

The Word of God should be our daily bread. It is the Word of God that is, living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12b NAS95). David said, Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You (Psalms 119:11 NAS95).

As we consistently read the Word of God, the shape of our lives becomes clearer. This clarity reveals the areas where we fall short of God's will. The Holy Spirit helps us address these shortcomings through conviction, repentance, and confession. Therefore, please make it your habit to begin your day with the reading and meditation of God’s Word.

Heavenly Father, we need Your Word to shape and mold us more and more into Your likeness. Thank You for Your Son Who intercedes for us. Help us overcome our sloth to become workmen who do not need to be ashamed. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.