LOVING THE WORLD

I believe we are called to be in this world, but not enamored or fooled into thinking this is our home.


As scripture informs us:
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 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. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17 NIV)


I think our Father is very clear:
V15: Do not love ANYTHING in this world. That is heavy. So, it is clear that I am to stay detached from what this world has to offer and to RESERVE my love for eternal things:

• God the Father
  
• Jesus Christ, God the Father’s ONE and ONLY Son
  
• Holy Spirit
  
• Eternal life in this Blessed Trinity
  
  
  

V16: This world has NOTHING to offer us: This reminds me of Foster’s great book: “Money, Sex, and Power.”

• Lust of the flesh: Money; my flesh (human nature) always wants more, leading to sin.
  
• Lust of the eyes: Sex; my eyes want to be entertained, leading to sin.
  
• Pride of life: Power; my ego wants control, leading to sin.
  

This world is passing away. I need to keep my focus on Christ’s love.


V17: Loving God is EVERYTHING. “Love is a desire for and a delight in the welfare of the one loved.” R.A. Tory


ANYTHING other than Christ will NEVER satisfy me.
NOTHING of this world will EVER satisfy me.
EVERYTHING Christ offers will FOREVER satisfy me.
NEVER, EVER, EVER will this world satisfy me.


CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
Father God, your love has transformed us, is transforming us, and will transform us. You have loved us, do love us, and will love us for eternity. Your love is all we need. It meets all of our needs and feeds our soul with the only nourishment that will ever truly satisfy.
Amen.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. 
November 30, 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.