If Any Man Love The World

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - 1 John 2:15

    Why is it that some who claim to be Christians and believe the Gospel are faithful and ambitious in every aspect of their life except the Gospel and the things of God? They are faithful to their family and their job. They make sure that they have all the provisions necessary to a comfortable and pleasurable existence in this world, as much as they can. Yet, when it comes to the things of God, there is very little time, resources, or interest left. There is nothing wrong with having these things and doing these things, but should it be at the expense of the most important, most wonderful and glorious thing in a believer’s life?

    When I observe the tendency of this attitude in my life, and in others, I am reminded of these Scriptures: In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might livethrough him (1 Jn 4:9); Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Mt 6:19-21); For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mk 8:36); Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 Jn 2:15).

    Can it be that one who truly loves Christ, his Gospel, and his people, continually and boldly with a self-justifying attitude, live to themselves, and put the things of God somewhere in a convenience file? The most important things in our heart will be the most important things in our life. May God give us grace and boldness enough to examine ourselves in the light of his Word to truthfully answer this all important, vital, Gospel question—“Do I love Christ?”

    So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee (Jn 21:15).