ATTITUDE NOT ACTIVITIES
ATTITUDE NOT ACTIVITIES
Bible References: 1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever”.
Good morning everyone,
We thank God for His great love and care shown unto us through Christ Jesus our Lord. May His name be praised now and forever.
Today in our search for scriptures, we will be taken a look at another well-known bible verse which in my view is one of the abused verses in the bible by modern preachers.
To begin with, there are certain questions anyone reading this verse of the bible should ask him or herself and one of such question is what does the author of this book mean by WORLD? Was the word used in this verse used in the same context as in John 3:16? If not what then does the author of this book means by Do not love the world?
It could be seen clearly that the usage of the word WORLD in John 3:16 is referring to us who were once lost and were far off from the love, but God through Christ loved us, but when the author writes Do not love the world, he is not talking about the people of the world.
So the question now is what does the author means when he says do not love the world. The answer to this question is found in 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.
In most cases preachers end up listing a whole lot of activities and label them as worldly which to some extent is valid but in my view, this warning given to us by the author is more of attitude than activities.
The author made it clear in verse 16 which has also been discussed in one of our previous studies. These three roots of sin, are the most contributing factors that will lead us in loving the world and neglecting God.
Jesus gave a key in overcoming the love for this world in Mathew 6:33 “
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our attitude tells if we love the world or we love God. Christ made it clear one cannot serve two masters, and that is exactly what the author refers to as “If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them”.
As young Christians, our attitude should reflect the person of Christ in us so that the world will see Christ through us.
Our attitude at everyplace we find ourselves, in church, school, work, parties etc should bring people to God and not the other way.
We have been called to live a life of holiness, and that is what God expect from us as Christians, this is the only time the grace is available, tomorrow might be too late.
It’s my prayer the good God will help us to have the right attitude towards his word.
God bless you
Antwi Bosiakoh Isaac