“Do not love the world or 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, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NKJV)
2024 has demonstrated why it is not good to love the world or the things in the world. We’ve seen disaster after disaster happen all over the world. There have been fires, famines, wars, hurricanes, floods, tornados — all sorts of disasters that take away the things of this world.
We’ve seen the results of these disasters that have swept away all worldly possessions that family and friends have worked years to accumulate – gone in just minutes or hours. Nothing of this world is going to last. Our hearts break when we lose tangible memories of loved ones who are resting until Christ calls them from their graves. We’ve spent time and money building what we had hoped would be a shelter and provide for our needs when things get tough; yet swept away with water, winds, or fire.
There is nothing inherently wrong with using our resources to try to keep our family secure and sheltered. However, if my priorities get out of line, if my focus is about taking care of my physical wants (well above needs) to the point of ignoring what God is asking me to do with my resources to let others get to know the Creator and Savior, then I have replaced God with idols.
Lord, forgive me for the many times I’ve let the things of this world take Your place in my thoughts and actions. Thank you for removing from my focus anything that would separate me from you, even though it is painful at the time.
Listen to Chris Tomlin sings “God and God Alone.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 12/29/24, 5:00 pm