What 'Loving the World' Means

Scripture: Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15-16

Observation: As John warns of the difference between loving the world and the things of the world versus loving the Lord, he identifies those things that are in the world and that come from the world. They are desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of riches. To summarize these then, those things that come from earthly knowledge and not from God's wisdom are:

-- Activities we pursue only because they make us feel good

-- Things we covet without even really understanding why

-- Money that becomes how we define our success

Even in the time of first century - and certainly we know long before that - these were the "scorecards" people kept to prove their greatness. The ease of their daily lives, the size of their homes, the land and wealth they had ... especially as these all existed in scope and quantities far beyond what they could need, these were the indications of earthly authority and greatness. And they are in fact indications of earthly success. However, they have nothing to do with actual, valuable success, and the pursuit of - and desire to - obtain them is the greatest blocker to pursuing the love the God.

Application: I am a person who lives in comfort, who can obtain things I desire beyond want I truly need, and who has financial savings. I need to be very careful about how I desire and pursue these things, and about my attitude toward them, as I must never love of the world.

In my heart, and in my mind, and in my actions, my attitude toward comfort, material items, and money must begin with my love of the Lord, and my service to Jesus.

-- How am I pursuing activities that the Spirit wishes to exist in my life?

-- How am I seeking and applying my resources to advancing his kingdom?

-- How am I using my time to love others and proclaim the gospel?

Truly loving God and not loving the world go hand in glove.

Prayer: Lord, my life is dedicated to you as my Lord and my God. I thank you so much for the blessings of my life, which is far beyond what I could ever deserve. However, I also desire to know how I can use these blessings for you, and not for my worldly endeavors. I do not want to love the world. May I do your will and live for your kingdom every day. Amen.