I John 2:15-17 states: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
This world is not the earth or the people, but the world system or way of thinking. Obviously, "God so loved the world" which is the people. But we are not to be caught up loving the world system that exists. In fact, if we do then it is a sign that we don't love God.
This is tough. It is so easy to get caught buying into the world and it's desires.
What are examples of things that we easily love that are of the world? How do you keep your focus on loving God first and foremost?
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2 comments:
Kevin,
I remember you and I had a conversation about this when we were at ICI. I believe there is another passage in Matthew,although it slips my memory as to where it is, that is very similar in purpose. Sports (OSU)and all its hype is a big draw of this world; one with which I personally struggle.Though there are other things which can be much more detrimental the time that sports can consume can take away from our real responsibilities. So how do we know that we are loving the world. It is interesting that you would write on this subject because I just a couple of days ago I was thinking about it and trying to figure out how to talk to the teens about it; especially my daughter. I will be interested in hearing more of your thoughts.
I think that we are so involved in the system of the world that we often don't ask ourselves the question of "do we love the world".
We live in such a fast paced society that we don't take as much time to think as people once did. It is easy to just accept many things as fine because many other "Christians" are doing them.
I think that we need to be reflective on this question often and make sure that we are not becoming a slave to the world's system.
Teens especially are tough to talk to on this because they are so much pressured by those around them. It is so hard for them be different than those around them. Just keep teaching them to love Jesus and be obedient to him. Give them concrete examples of how these things come in conflict with the desires of their flesh and then let the Spirit do the work.
Great to hear from you Tim.
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