DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."—1 John 2:15

The words of Jesus Christ are not soft, and they are not negotiable.He never offered a comfortable faith—He called us to total surrender.

In the wilderness, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said,"All this I will give You, if You will bow down and worship me.”(see Luke 4:5–7)

But Jesus refused. He knew who ruled this world."The whole world lies under the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19),and the devil is called "the prince of this world.” (John 12:31)

Jesus warned,"I send you out as sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10:16),and prayed,"I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.”(John 17:15)

We are called not to run from the world, but not to be of it.If you live for this world—if you seek pleasure, fame, or power from it—you are not serving Christ.You are falling for the very same temptations the devil offers to every soul.You become a servant of a system destined to be destroyed.

A true Christian must draw a clear line between what is of the world and what is of Christ.This line is seen in:

• Our morality and values

• Our appearance and modesty

• Our daily conduct and speech

This is not legalism.This is light.And Jesus said,"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”(Matthew 5:16)

We are not here to decorate a dying world or make it more comfortable for sinners to remain in sin.No!We are here to preach repentance, to proclaim the Gospel,and to live holy lives in the midst of a wicked generation.

Our strength, our passion, our purpose—must never go toward improving the kingdom of darkness,but toward advancing the Kingdom of God.

"Friendship with the world is enmity with God." (James 4:4)"If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me."(Luke 9:23)

You cannot carry the cross and carry the world at the same time.You must choose.Today, decide whom you will serve.

For "the world and its desires will pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”(1 John 2:17)