1jo 02v15 Love Not The World
Nothing is more dangerous to
the souls of men than the love of the world. Nothing more effectually chokes
out the influence of the gospel in a man's heart than the cares of this world.
Nothing is more difficult to avoid than an undue attachment to this world.
Therefore John sets these four words up as a beacon. They stand in blazing
letters to warn us of great danger. "LOVE NOT THE WORLD:"
Beloved, this world and all that it offers is no more
than a bubble that soon must burst. Your money, your farms, your houses, your
influence, your families, everything here is temporary. It will all vanish
away. We laugh at the small child who cries when the bubbles he is playing with
burst. But, for a rational man to be so attached to a bubble is a most
irrational thing.
Are you God's child? Are you risen with Christ? Do
you live in the hope of eternal glory? Then count this world to be a dead
thing. Live no longer for this world. Set your heart on things above. Live
above this pile of rubbish that must soon burn. Live to do the will of God,
seek the glory of Christ, further the gospel of the grace of God, and serve the
people of God. Quit seeking those things for which unbelieving men live; and
seek those things which are above: life, immortality, and glory. "If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." May the Lord
God graciously burn these words into your heart and mine - "LOVE NOT
THE WORLD!"