Do Not Love The World

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.

1 John 2:15

There is nothing tentative about the sound of a trumpet heralding the approach of a dignitary or awakening the troops at the dawn of the day. Likewise, there is nothing tentative about John’s exhortation to believers in the verse for today.

The current world system, over which the devil rules, is against God. Satan’s rebellion against God furthered at the beginning of human history with Adam and Eve and continued even as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. The enemy’s determination to lure you and others, including those in positions of authority in this nation, to follow his insubordination has not diminished. Through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, the devil lures people to elevate things such as food, sexual passion, or human glory above God. Pride in your family or heritage, your race, or your perceived superiority over others in the workplace or in church can place you under the influence of the father of lies.

Decades ago, preacher and teacher J. Vernon McGee wrote that many believers in Christ are succumbing to the sins of the world because they are not studying the Word of God.

Just as you need food as sustenance for the body, you need God’s guidance through His Word to sustain your spiritual life and protect you from the world’s influence.

Take time each day to learn from God’s Word, studying, and memorizing key verses, so that when the tempter comes, you are equipped to defeat the sinful attractions of the world with spiritual strength. Long after the world is gone, eternity with the Lord will remain. Love Him and live with an eye to eternity.