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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 John 2:15-17
“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 is one of the biggest challenges for us in the world and Church today.
John was not talking about Creation. Although, as Peter reminded us the day before yesterday – this world will pass away. It is true - we are not to worship creation but the Creator.
However, John was challenging us in our lifestyle. It’s the same world that we read of in: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world didn’t recognise Him” (John 1:10). And in “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) and “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).
The purpose of God is not that we are taken “out of the world” but that we remain His witnesses in it. That through His power and authority, we change it by being “salt” and “light” (see Matthew 5:13-16).
What are the driving forces behind the world? Pride – “Boasting of what he has and does” (see Ezekiel 28:17); “Lust of [the] eyes” – (see Genesis 3); Independence – (see Genesis 6; see also Deuteronomy 12:8 & Judges 21:25); Selfish ambition – “the cravings of sinful man” (see Genesis 11). All of these have carried on throughout the generations and permeate the whole of civilisation. Mankind has not changed, nor has the enemy. We see each of these vividly demonstrated today.
However, the greater problem is when they infiltrate the Church. Oh, to get back to the time when the Church was led by the Spirit of God rather than the ambitions, schemes and programmes of men. Where the Kingdom of God is its sole purpose; where we reach out to the lost rather than pamper to the saved. Where our services are God-centred rather than man-centred.
Yes, it’s a church problem, a society problem but also a personal problem. Why do we have supermarkets, malls and T.V. commercials? So that you will ‘see it and want it’. Your credit card will take the “waiting out of wanting” and you succumb to “the lust of [the] eye” – which is exacerbated by the ‘use’ of women. Impulse buying is another effect. We don’t stop to think if we need it, if we can afford it or if it will do us good or harm. Buy it now – worry about it later.
Guess what? We sure will. We will have to worry about it – and all the trumpeted joy or satisfaction will be only very temporary.
It’s the same with illegitimate sex. Really that is no more than stealing. The penalties come later, for all parties. The ‘world’s’ axiom is “Enjoy Instant Gratification in every area of your life.”
Why is the world so attractive? Because we haven’t immersed ourselves in the Word of God, nor allowed the Holy Spirit to govern our lives. After experiencing or indulging in all the world’s pleasures, we are left empty. (See also Ecclesiastes 2:10-11.)
When we spend time with God, we are refreshed, invigorated and fulfilled. That’s when we start to really live. Isn’t that preferable? Let’s resolve to make sure that the world has no hold over us (especially at Christmas Time).
What do you need to change in order to become free, less world-centred and more Jesus Christ-centred?
Do it - and then begin to enjoy life “to the full” (John 10:10).
And remember – “the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Hallelujah! Amen.
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