“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)
This scripture verse begins with a command, everything else in the verse is an argument, or incentive, for why we should not love the world. Consider this reasoning:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other…” (Matt. 6:24)
So, if getting ahead in this world and making it our priority to do whatever we need to do, to get our way, that has become our master. Jesus says that we cannot serve two masters and we must know that,
“…everything in the world–the lust [longing for what is forbidden] of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16)
Here is the main reason for adopting this kind of reasoning,
“…the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides [lives with God] FOREVER.” (1 John 2:17)
Jesus said to us: “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
John emphasized it like this: “For this is the love of God, that WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
So, in conclusion, remember this command: “DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD.” Because: “…in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self…of money, proud, arrogant…lovers of pleasure rather than LOVERS OF GOD, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. AVOID SUCH PEOPLE.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5)
Let’s commit ourselves to God with a rekindled love…Bill Stockham