Read the Word:
1 John 2:15-17
Meditate on the Word:
On the surface, the command found here to “not love the world or anything in the world” can seem at odds with idea that “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). It can also seem opposed to the command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18). Why would we be told to love our neighbor, whom God also loves, and not to love the world or anything in the world?
The answer lies in a better understanding of love. True love of God, where we place Him and His desires first and foremost, eliminates all possibility of giving our worship to the things of this world. Our love for God should overshadow all the things around us. When we focus our love on God, we become increasingly uncomfortable in the world. The world’s power, lust, and greed seem foreign to us. Meanwhile, we can and should still share God’s love of those who are stuck on earth with us. God does not contradict Himself at all. He is reminding us that whatever we are most focused on, that is what we are worshipping.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to reveal to you what you have been focusing your love and attention on. If it is anything other than Him, repent.
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