By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer:
Lord, open our eyes to see the subtle pressures of the world around us, and give us the courage to live as citizens of Your kingdom.
Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:15-16(NLT)
“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.”
The second front in our war is “the world.” The Bible isn’t talking about trees and mountains, but about a system of values that is hostile to God. This “world system” is the culture around us that constantly tells us what we should love, what we should pursue, and where we should find our identity.
John breaks down the world’s offer into three parts. First, the “craving for physical pleasure”—the belief that our comfort and appetites are the most important thing. Second, the “craving for everything we see”—the materialism and consumerism that says happiness is found in getting more stuff. Third, the “pride in our achievements and possessions”—the relentless drive for status, recognition, and self-glorification.
The world’s system is seductive, not aggressive. It doesn’t usually shout; it whispers. It’s the pressure to fit in, to chase what everyone else is chasing, and to measure our lives by a human standard. The command here is sharp: “Do not love this world.” We cannot have our hearts set on both the world’s treasures and on God. We must choose.
Disciple’s Life Tip:
Pay attention to the advertisements and social media you consume today. Ask yourself, “What is this message trying to make me love? Is it promising me pleasure, possessions, or pride?” Recognizing the world’s seduction is the first step to resisting it.
Closing Prayer: Father, capture our hearts. May we love you more than anything the world has to offer. Help us to be in the world, but not of it. Amen.
