Loving God, loving others

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

From the text, three worldly influences were described. These are powerful influences that could derail a believer and begin to pursue ungodly sinful lifestyle. These are the tools that Satan uses to bring down the unguarded Christian. The appeal is to use sensual power that offers “only a craving for physical pleasure.” This is emotion-driven that responds to fleshly appetites that will never satisfy and will not glorify God. “Those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God” (Romans 8:8). The goal is to create conflict within oneself and hinder the leading of the Holy Spirit that resides in the life of a believer. God designed the human body to be used for His glory and for satisfaction that do not violate God’s purpose. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful” (Psalm 139:14). The visual power or as described in the text, “craving for everything we see,” is imagination driven stimuli that could take control of one’s behavior. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22-23). Personal power that always set to strive for “achievements and possessions” is ego-driven. The goal is to set oneself over others not thinking of the harm it will do. It is guided by a deceitful heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). John said that these worldly powers are motivated by selfish desires and are not coming from God. Giving in to these desires could provide temporary pleasures but will surely draw you away from God. Do not let yourself be overcome of the “wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11), instead be armed by the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-20). Be aware of the enemies’ tactics and always walk in the Spirit so that you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com