Loving neither the world or the things of the world is not a suggestion or merely good advice. It is a command. But why? We read further, For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world. (1Jo 2:16 ESV).
If we take out the phrase referring to desires and pride, we are left with, “For all that is in the world … is not from the Father but is from the world.” And the wise and wonderful reason follows: And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1Jo 2:17 ESV).
All that is in the world is not from the father, and the world is passing away. It is temporary, crumbling, ruled by Satan. But if we do the will of God, we abide with Him forever. And this is the promise that he made to us – eternal life. (1Jo 2:25 ESV).
So we can draw three things from these scriptures:
- If you love the world, you cannot also love God.
- The world is perishing and if you love it, you will perish along with it.
- If you love God instead of the world, you will live with Him for eternity.
The world with it’s many baubles, distractions, and lures tries to captivate us so the enemy can ensnare us with his wiles. But the promise of God is so much superior. Why would we give our soul to the devil when we can instead live forever with the breath of an eternal, loving God giving us life, and life more abundantly? The world is unworthy of our love. God is infinitely deserving.
Do not love the world or its things.
Lord, help me to see the world for what it truly is. And more importantly to see You as you truly are: my creator who loves me and keeps me. Help me to focus my eyes and heart entirely on you and not be distracted by any lure the enemy places to ensnare me. Amen.
–RG