Read 1 John 2:16
Everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of
his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not
from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:16
As Christians, the world appeals to us through “the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (KJV). And once the
world takes over in one of these areas, we soon realize it. We lose our
enjoyment of the Father’s love and our desire to do the Father’s will.
The Bible becomes boring and prayer a difficult chore. Even Christian
fellowship may seem empty and disappointing.
It is important to note that none of us become worldly all of a
sudden. Worldliness creeps up on us. Worldliness rears its ugly head
in many subtle and unrecognized forms. Sometimes we idolize great
athletes, musicians, TV or movie stars, or political leaders who profess
to be Christians—as if these individuals were able to be of special help
to almighty God. Or we cater to wealthy and “influential” persons in
our local church, as if God’s work would fold up without their goodwill. Many forms of worldliness do not involve reading the wrong
books and indulging in carnal amusements.
Something to Ponder
What are some worldly appeals you have recently faced in each of
these categories: (1) sinful cravings, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3)
pride/boasting?