True Love
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Insight
Recently, our family found an amazing doctor. Yes, his pedigree is impressive, from "post-doctoral scholar" and assistant professor of medicine to "world-renowned clinician-scientist." His practice is cutting edge; an integrative approach that embraces mind, body, and spirit.
But what we appreciate most is how approachable he is. How humorously honest he is. Foundational to his practice is diet. He tells us the food we think we can't be without is probably the one we should be avoiding. "For me," the doctor says, "If I let myself, I would drive to Costco, buy one of those big sheet cakes, bring it to my car and eat the whole thing with my hands in big fistfuls!"
My love affair with food tells me a lot about my earthly indulgences. The activity of breaking bread with family and friends brings me joy. A sweet treat brings comfort. And an unwise indulgence can be an escape. But food in and of itself is not the problem - just as enjoyment of God's magnificent creation is not wrong. Instead, how I relate to it brings the tension. In the above passage, John is not saying the world God made is bad. He's saying the way we relate to what God created can be harmful.
So what is John referring to when he says "the world?" After all, he says "the world" six times in these three verses. Understanding the meaning behind it is critical. The world, or rather a worldly focus, is placing our affections on the things of this world above our affection for God. It's what happened in the garden when trust was broken, and our rebellion against God's rule began. It's the rebellion that's become systemized into our culture that prioritizes our thinking, desires, and inclinations.
Sin, at its core, is an authority problem. Worldliness does not exist in the things of the world but in our minds, hearts, attitudes, and affections. True love of God starts with recognizing His authority in our lives and understanding He created us for a purpose. Our lives set in motion not by chance but by a bigger vision we can't begin to comprehend in its entirety. So, we must orient our thoughts and affections, first and foremost, on heavenly things and recognize that all else comes from Him. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
If you are anything like me, perhaps this passage makes you nervous. Maybe you think, "Should I not enjoy things in this world? Family, job, hobbies, sports?" Fear not! This passage is not about suffering sacrifice but our misplaced loyalty and affection. It's the sin that causes us to make God fit into our lives instead of us following His lead. Yet even in our struggle, God's compassion is more excellent than we deserve. His commands never come apart from His grace. Whatever He commands, He grants the ability to obey with the power of His generous Spirit. As author and theologian C.S. Lewis reminds us, "Continue seeking God with seriousness. Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him." Our longing for Him is in us by design. Our call to worship is designed to fulfill as nothing else can and will last into eternity when all else passes away.
Reflection
Where do your affections land? Does it change with mood, emotions, or circumstances? In what ways have you learned to bring your focus back to the Father?
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful for Your great compassion. Even in our broken state, You lead us back to You with a mission, purpose, and calling that fulfills like nothing else. We cherish the reminders in Scripture that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You. Help us, Father, seek You first, love You most, and fear You always. Strengthen our humility. Help us draw near to You and lay our hearts bare so that we may be purified and made right. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Port City writer Paula Argenio wrote today's devotional