1 John 2:15-17
Verse 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
We mentioned yesterday how we can be easily distracted by the things of this world. But are all of the things of this world evil? Of course not, but our attitude towards them can make them a harmful thing in our lives.
For example God created us for community and that includes relationships, but when those relationships get in our way of focusing on God they become something which draw us away from the One who should have our undivided attention. Of course this isn’t saying we should get rid of all relationships in our lives. God brings people into our lives to help us grow and to bless us as we join them in seeking Him more diligently.
In the same way not all things which are material are bad for us, we just need to make sure the things in our live don’t negatively affect our relationship with God and our ability to worship Him in spirit and truth. As our verses today talk about, amassing more and more is never something a God-follower does. The more we have, the more we have to care for which takes more of our time and energy.
This passage reminds us how when we overly desire the things of this world we are showing we don’t love God first and foremost. It actually reveals the idols in our lives and if we are worshiping idols with our time and energy, we will not be representing Him as His ambassadors. This should be a reminder to us how we are not here for our own pleasure but for His great pleasure.
Christmas is a time of the year which can reveal the truth of our heart in this area. We tend to overbuy, over eat and want more than we need. It isn’t that gifts are bad but if they become our only focus of the season we miss out on the real joy of the holiday. We can become so stressed we don’t enjoy our relationships, we fill our schedule so full we either have to squeeze in a quiet time with God or skip it altogether. In Christ there is peace, but we miss His peace if we are more concerned with the things of this world.
Making It Personal
What are the things in your life which easily distract you? Are there certain things in your life which you have been pursuing which are taking you away from God? What needs to be unloaded in your life?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you always want more and more of things? Why do you think getting more will make you happy? Do you want more of your relationship with Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess how we fail at making You our main goal in life. Please convict us by Your Spirit in the areas where we have allowed things to take a place in our lives which they don’t belong. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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