Do Not Love The World

Good Morning,
1 John 2:15-16 (NIV)


Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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.


I read these verses and immediately the "thought" came into my head, "What do I have; what things have I accumulated; what "creature comforts" do I own...that I simply cannot (or choose NOT to) live without?" The next "thought" that came to me was, "If I had to sell everything I own, all those things that I have accumulated, what is ONE thing that I simply would not let go under any circumstances?"
These "thoughts" that came into my head aren't mine. I think we all know that. These ideas come from God and it is HE who is asking me these questions.


Basically He's asking me what things of and in the world do I hold much too highly. He's saying to me that I need to maybe get rid of some things in my life and that I need to reconsider that which is important to me.


When I answer these questions from God (and ONLY to Him!) I hear Him clearly answer, "Really?" And that, of course, brings more and deeper thoughts about how I see myself in the world and what I feel is important in my life. Then, even after I've seen what things I can do without, there are still worldly things that remain and I have to answer these questions once again. Again, God answers, "Really?"


You see, I can do without almost everything that I own and ought to be satisfied to simply have my relationship with God...and all that it means.


So, in the final analysis, what is it in my life that I cannot live without? Only God. If I have Him, I have it all. I know I have it all because I know that God will provide for ALL of my needs. I know that I have it all because I can be satisfied with what it is God gives me. I know I have it all because I can see this or that and simply know I don't "need" it and, really, I don't even want it (whatever the "it" might be).


I pose to you that it would be good for you to ask God to question you about this. Then, I would ask that you answer honestly and examine deeply.


That's all. That's enough.


Love, peace, and blessings,


David