Misplaced Love

In the text of 1 John 2:12-17, John is speaking about putting the allure of the world behind us after we commit ourselves to live for Christ. We don't automatically quit sinning just because we become a Christian. However, we have to make a conscious effort not to go back into our formerly destructive and/or sinful ways. In the alternative, the world is not very welcoming to Christians, but in fact, is hostile towards them.

John wanted Christians to know that they were to separate themselves from the world because they had overcome Satan and their sins were forgiven in Christ's name. Jesus died as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Jno. 4: 7-11). After obeying the gospel, we can further distance ourselves from the world and come to know God by changing our lifestyle, or "walk" to follow Him (1 Jno. 1:5; 2:3,6). Thirdly, by urging us not to love the world, John said we will overcome the evil one (1 Jno. 2:13-14). We can only overcome Satan by giving attention to building our personal spiritual faith (1 Jno. 5:4-5; Eph. 6:16; Rom. 10:17). By way of definition, not to love the world is not to serve both God and man (Mt. 6:24; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Jno. 2:15). "The world" is this context represents the material things in life, or rather, the worship or coveting of them; the entire human race which needs redemption; and unbelievers who are hostile towards God (1 Jno. 2:15; 5:19; Jas. 1:27; 4:4). "The world" is anything that draws your attention away from God (Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:1-2). Satan never gives up trying to lure us back into the world (1 Pet. 5:8-9). His three chosen avenues are:

1. The lust of the flesh (1 Jno. 2:16). We all possess natural physical desires which God gave us which aren't wrong in and of themselves necessarily, but they can be misused and/or abused. We must maintain control over our bodies so as not to do that which is sinful and/or inappropriate.

2. The lust of the eyes (1 Jno. 2: 16). What we see going on around us in our environment can have an influence on our minds and lead us towards unwholesome thinking. We can sin our minds without our bodies every being involved (Mt. 5:27-29; 18:9; 2 Sam. 11:2-4; Josh. 7:20-21).

3. The pride of life (1 Jno. 2:16). This is an attitude of arrogance and self-sufficiency that says we have no dependence on God. Remember that material wealth is unstable and will decay over time (1 Jno. 2:17; Job 14:1; Psa. 78: 39; 90:1, 10-12; Prov. 27:1; Eccl. 11:10; Jas. 4:13-16).

What is the sort of strong desire (lust) that draws us into the world? It is anything that is inconsistent with God's will (Rom. 13:14; Eph. 2:3; 2 Pet. 2:18) Now, if I may play devil's advocate momentarily: I truly believe that we as Christians can become too strict in our beliefs (not on doctrinal issues, but in matters of opinion) so as to become too judgmental of others and legalistic. That, too, is wrong and not in keeping with a love for our fellow man either. We are told to diligently keep our heart (Prov. 4:23; 23:7; Mt. 15:18-19). Lust, or strong desire, would encompass the following:

1. deceitfulness (Eph. 4:22; 2 Pet. 2:18)
2. anything foolish or harmful (1 Tim. 6:9)
3. worldliness (Titus 2:11-12)
4. a taskmaster (becoming enslaved to the strong desire) (Titus 3:3)
5. an enemy of the soul (1 Pet. 2:11)
6. something that will lead us astray (2 Tim. 3:6)

We all must make the determination for ourselves of life or death (Rom. 6:23). By consciously choosing to do God's will, we forsake the world and are eligible to live eternally with Him (1 Jno. 2:25; Titus 1:2; Mt. 7:21-23).

I know that I have many faults of my own, but that I strive to do God's will on a daily basis. Many times I fail and need forgiveness and I readily ask for it. So should you. Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Love Ya,
God Bless!