When the Bible states that we should not love the world, this is not a reference to the people in this world. God wants us to love everyone. But He does not want His people to love the ways of this world. He does not want us to embrace the ungodly things this world stands for.
“If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,” John writes (1 John 2:15, KJV). We became born of God’s Spirit upon accepting Christ. This life-changing experience empowers us to imitate the ways of God. Thereby, we should love the things He loves and dislike the things He dislikes. If, however, we choose to love the ways of this world, the indwelling Spirit of God cannot effectively lead us.
So, what kind of conduct may suggest that we love the world? In his epistle, John mentions three areas that characterize a love for the world: “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (verse 16). John says these are not of the Father but of the world. Let’s briefly talk about each of these.
The Lust of the Flesh
Our world has gone sex crazy. No one can escape this vicious campaign being waged against us. Even in the church, sex scandals make the national headlines. Moreover, the way some women dress in the house of God is over the top, aimed at bringing illicit attention to their flesh. As the people of God, we must not love the world in this regard but we must purify ourselves.
“Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:28, NASB
The Lust of the Eyes
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Some people, perhaps many, can’t control the desire of their eyes. What they see, they must have—even if what they see, they can’t afford it or it is forbidden. The business community, promiscuous women, and flashy men of means know how to exploit this human weakness to wield in their prey. But Christians must refuse to be cheap bait for this world. Let us exercise self-control in all things.
The Pride of Life
The word pride used here comes from the Greek word αλαζονια (al-a-zoe-NEE-a). It denotes arrogant display or boastings.
This one makes me think about the so-called “prosperity gospel” taught in some churches today. I believe this doctrine has infected a significant portion of the body of Christ with a preoccupation for monetary wealth and materialism. The more flamboyant or lofty the portrayal, the better. I heard a church pastor talking to her congregation about her new Lexus. She was rejoicing that she no longer had to drive a Toyota. Some preachers today preach almost exclusively on prosperity and high end living. What a shame.
We are called to be a peculiar people. Sad but true, the line between the people of the world and the people of God continues to blur. For the record, God wants us to love the people of this world. But God forbid that we love the ways and the desires of this world.
Copyright © 2023 by Frank King. All rights reserved.