1 John 2:15
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.
The problem with loving the world is that you embrace everything that our God and Jesus Christ stand against. The world teaches you that there is nothing more important than yourself. Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last; and the last, they will be first” (Mat 19:30). The world encourages you to, “Do what feels the best.” Jesus commands you to “Deny yourself, and to take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The love of God cannot reside inside anyone who loves the ideals of the world more than those of Christ.
Neither can you love the things of the world. What good is it to renounce the world, only to embrace that which it creates? The love of the world’s money will lead to a job on Sunday morning rather than to church. The love of the world’s entertainments will lead to television, sports, or friends, but leave no room for the Bible, the poor, or prayer. A true and personal love of God cannot reside inside of you if you love the things of this world more than you love God.
Will your day be spent chasing after the world and its lustful desires? Or will you seek out a more intimate relationship with the Lord? If your heart is still united with worldly desires and ideals, Scripture teaches that it is impossible for the God’s love to either reside or shine from within you.
Thank you for this. It’s just what I needed.