For God’s Sake

1 John 2:15-16 ESV
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world.”

We were placed in this world for a short time for a reason and I believe that is to do the will of the Father. A line has been drawn in the sand at this point, and we are either for God or for the world. There is no more mixing and mingling with thoughts and ideals of the world.

The only way we can be for God is to do the things of God. We were called to be the light and be the salt as Jesus has said. John says there are three types of desires that lead us into greater sin: The desires of the flesh are; desires that please ourselves, regardless of God’s moral law. When fleshly desires rule us, taking priority over God’s will, they cause us to violate God’s righteousness.

The pride of life is basically look what I have done, look what I have accomplished, look what I have made of myself. Look at the talents that I have achieved, as if we did it on own.

The desires of the eyes are: seeing things that we want, possibly things we cannot afford or even things that are not good for us and our relationship with God. They take our focus off of God and His perfect will. Sometimes the desires of the eyes are things that are status symbols, which takes us back to pride.

Prayer:
Lord, let my mind, heart, spirit and body be reserved for Your glory and honor. Let my eyes be in check by the Holy Spirit. When I start to stray, bring me back to You! This life is to glorify to You, not myself and my accomplishments or to fulfill my selfish desires. If I choose the world Your love is not in me.