1 John 2:15-17

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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

If I told you not to love the world, you may think, “What in the world is there to love?” There are plenty of things in the world to love, but the world is not what Christians are to love. A Christian cannot love the world and love God. They are like oil and water. They are incompatible.

Thus, never consider loving anything worldly.

John categorizes three pitfalls of the world: the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. The “desires of the flesh” are the main category that unites man’s sin. The “desires of the eyes” are the sinful desires we see. The “pride of life” is the sin of what we covet. Every sin you can imagine falls into these categories. If you believe this to be true, then there is no sin you can justify.

Christian, do not love what is consumable. The world, and all things in it, will one day cease. Jesus tells us not to lay up treasures on this earth, but to lay up treasures in the kingdom of God. Living a godly life is like putting money into a savings account to collect interest, waiting until it is time to collect. The same goes for our walk with God. We do not see the eternal reward now, but at the time you meet Christ, you will receive what he has promised.

Seeking God first means you seek a heavenly crown instead of an earthly crown. Go and abide in the eternal God who loves and cares for your soul. Drive your affections towards him and away from the sinfulness of the world.

-Pastor Brett