Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever. 1 John 2:15-17 WEB
With these words, “The world is passing away,” John instructs believers to place value on Godly things rather than worldly things. He wants us to love God and one another, serving God instead of material wealth. John leads us away from the lust of the flesh and pride, leading us toward a life of service to the kingdom of heaven.
The emphasis is on the eternal rather than the temporary. The momentary pleasures of life pass away and are forgotten. On the other hand, God and his kingdom are forever. No pleasure, no material thing is everlasting. Emotions come and go. Possessions like homes and cars fall apart. Nothing of the material world is permanent.
Considering the eternal, John makes the strong assertion that anyone who loves the material world is lacking in love for our heavenly Father. The words of Jesus from Matthew 6:24 support this as he mentions the danger of serving the creation rather than the Creator saying, “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. You cannot serve both God and money. NIV”
Treasures in Heaven
In another example, Christ encourages us to forego materialism in Matthew 6:19-21 which reads, “Don’t layup treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. WEB” As the corrupt world is passing away, it is clear that Jesus wants his followers to serve our incorruptible God.
To further illustrate this point, when tempted in the desert to worship Satan in exchange for worldly power, wealth, and pleasure, Jesus responded in Matthew 4:10 by saying, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only. WEB” This reference to scripture from Deuteronomy 6:13 demonstrates Christ’s rejection of serving material wealth and his love of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom found in your holy word. The world is passing away but my love for you is forever. Guide my steps on my journey from this corrupt world to your heavenly paradise. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Heir of All Things
