Introductory Thoughts
God is love, but that does not mean that everything that people love is of God. Today’s verse warns believers not to love the world or the things that are in the world. God’s people are repeatedly admonished about this because believers are prone to love things and people contrary to the will of God. The Christian’s heroes are generally no different than the world's heroes. We have many Bible examples of men who loved those of whom God disapproved. Samson exemplified this in his love for Delilah (Judges 16:4). Amnon had an unrighteous love for his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1). Solomon failed in this area by loving “many strange women” (1 Kings 11:1). Demas left the ministry because he “loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). Unfortunately, the heart of a believer can be drawn to love things and people displeasing to the Lord. It is always important to consider the object of our love and refuse to make excuses when we know better.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Ananias and Sapphira loved money. They sold some land and told Peter they gave all of the money received for the land to God. They kept back a portion for themselves and then lied about it. They purposely covered up their love for money with the lie. This greatly displeased the Lord and God judged them.
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(For everyone): What or whom do you love? Are those loves pleasing or displeasing to the Lord? Do those loves strengthen your fellowship with the Lord, or do they hinder your Christian walk?
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Why are Christians becoming increasingly prone to loving the things of this world? Why are we so easily drawn away from fellowship with the Lord by Satans temptations?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to guard your love for Him.
- Ask the Lord to show you what and whom to love.
Song
JESUS IS MINE
