7-20-07 1 John 2:15, 16

1 John 2:15, 16 (NAS)
Do not love the world, nor 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 lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
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1 John 2:15, 16 (Philips)
Never give your hearts to this world or to any of the things in it. A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. For the whole world-system, based as it is on men’s desires, their greed ambitions and the glamour of all that they think splendid, is not derived from the Father at all, but from the world itself.

1 John 2:15, 16 (NRSV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Since you live here on earth and were born of the dust of this earth, it is natural that you would have a certain affection for the things of this world. However, God's word exhorts you against this. You are not to be too well pleased or contented here. Anything that the world offers is hollow, frail, and fleeting. Worldly things have the power to stir your desires and to seduce you away from Adonai. They are obstacles in your path.

Accumulating this world's goods can give you the false sense that you can take care of and provide for yourself; you begin to believe that through your own efforts you can obtain the promised "blessing". Focusing on what you can do, your own ability, keeps you from the love of God. The more you focus on "you" the less the love of God is in you.

You should not crave or desire those things that are forbidden. Do no lust after things to satisfy your sensuous nature. Do not cater to your earthly nature, which is prone to sin and opposed to God. Do not let your eyes dictate to your desires. Do not brag and make empty boasts about your own power and resources. By trusting in yourself, you show that you despise God's word and you violate His precepts. Such "pride" causes you to believe that you can sustain your own life, instead of trusting the Lord for your very breath.

Therefore, do not give in to your earthly passions and desires. They are only opposed to God. Instead daily place your life in your Father's hands, trusting Him to provide everything you need to maintain your life. Live in His love and not by your lusts. In this you will do well.