Losing 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 (God) is NOT in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and 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

What do we hold to be valuable, or important? A born-again Christian life will have a growing desire to God's will to be done, “on earth, as it is in heaven.” We are told to seek God's kingdom first, and His righteousness, then God will provide all of our needs (Matthew 6:33). This is a promise.

So, as we seek to grow spiritually our desires should more and more reflect what God wants, and should decrease with regard to what the world holds valuable.

Not long ago I heard a Christian friend say a very bad thing. His words were, “I want to see America before I die.” To say such a thing in this way shows that he would be disappointed with heaven if this did not happen! The scripture tells us to desire God's will in all such matters; “For that you should say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” - James 4:15

My friend's words show a dangerous love for this world, and questions the depth of his love for our heavenly Father. That's what our beginning verses indicate!

What things do you love more than Jesus? These would then be idols in your heart. We need to spiritually crucify our worldly desires. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” - Galatians 6:14

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21

Losing the world is a challenge Christians will face throughout their lives, for our old ways can be hard to let go of – even if only because they became habits.

But we will also find a divine peace within ourselves, and often see the wisdom behind God's directing hand. Remember that, “A man is not a fool to give up what he can't keep, in order to gain what he can't lose.” (eternal life)