Over coffee and croissants overseas, I listened to my new European friends talk about the United States. Together, we laughed over the stereotypes of Americans, but quietly, my little heart protested. After all, the people I love most and hold dearest are among those Americans. I’m one of those Americans. The thread that tied me to my family and friends at home is strong, and despite our national foibles, the States are my home.
When I read this passage in 1 John, I immediately shrink back and mildly peep: But I love this world! It’s where all my favorites live! I’m crazy for the mess of small-town fall festivals, the sight of new dresses from fancy stores, and the secret glee that comes from winning at a game of cards. I love the world, and I miss going out and connecting with other people in it. What could John possibly mean when he says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world”? (1John 2:15).
The world, intrinsically speaking, is made to be good. God Himself declared it “very good indeed” (Genesis 1:31). So John isn’t questioning the beauty of a sunset, but rather the things of this world that pull our affections away from God. “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1John 2:16). Those three categories belong to the world, according to the inclinations of our hearts.
The lust of the flesh: Do we indulge our bodies with food, drink, touch, and comfort? Are we seeking luxury over knowing Christ?
The lust of the eyes: Do our minds crave worldly extravagance and grandeur? Do our ears strain for applause and accolades?
The pride in one’s possessions: Do our eyes rove for treasure, possessions, and delights? Do we covet the trinkets of the world?
My answer to all these questions is, “Yes, a thousand times, Yes!” Gimme those tacos, massage my feet, get me a robot butler, and bring down the house with your applause. We’re all enticed by the comforts of this world. But John is teaching us that all these delights belong to the world, and the world is passing away (v.17). We shouldn’t tie ourselves to a ship that’s sinking.
Instead, we should tie ourselves to our anchor, Jesus Christ, who is pulling us heavenward. We should “remain in Him,” and keep His ways (1John 2:27). We should reserve our deepest affections for God, rather than throw them away on ice cream cones and iPhones. Before social distancing, the world seemed so readily available. Easter Sunday would come, and it was easy to distract ourselves with singing over a new dress, rather than genuinely praising the risen Christ.
But the love of the Lord is infinite and lasts forever. The Spirit’s peace never fails us. And while this world and its trappings are passing away, our hope in Christ’s promises is secure. He is our rock, quieting our hearts in the midst of whatever chaos the world throws at us. He is our real treasure, and our very great reward.
Lord, fix our eyes on Jesus, the only one who perfectly does the will of the Father and who remains forever. Stamp eternity on our hearts and minds. Give us eyes to see your new creation dawning.
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Rebecca, thank you. This touched my heart deeply.
He is our rock!! The peace in whatever chaos surrounds us.. so very true and tangible in the place we call home. I love you Jesus!!! Thank you for remaining in me, for rebuilding me, restoring me and renewing me
Thank you and may God continue to bless you, Dorothy, and all HCPs, first responders, grocery store workers, mail carriers, trash collectors, childcare and eldercare workers, etc. on the frontlines of this pandemic. You are true treasures and blessings to us all.
Amen. This was a great reminder to hold steadfast to the truth that God’s love for us has been consistent from the beginning.
It is comforting to hear others admit their ‘love’ of the world. I find myself having to step back and remember it will all be destroyed in the end. I love my Savior, my Father, my Holy Spirit! That is forever! Thank you!
I agree! So many times in the church I have heard that we are supposed to deny the world so thinking of all the things I loved about it made me feel incredibly guilty. Thank you SRT for being real and at the same time pointing us to Jesus.
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“He is our rock, quieting our hearts in the midst of whatever chaos the world throws at us.” This sentence hit home and is what I needed to read and hear right now. I wrote it down and will be rereading it over the next few days, weeks and months as I struggle through packing up my niece belongings, cleaning out my old car (which was totaled), searching for a new car and a new place to live. And then there’s the pandemic and concern as a nurse, and being over 60. But I have learned to put everything in God and Christ’s hands. I try not to worry, key word try, and turn it all over to God.
Father life here on earth is stressful but I know You have a plan for me and for my SRT sisters, help us not worry about what is to come. Help to “Let go and let God” take care of it. Amen