Live for the Lord and Not the World - Carla D Burnette

It is so easy to be distracted and enticed by the things of this world. We may purchase unnecessary things in order to enhance our appearance and/or status without realizing we are conforming to the world. 

But friends, as followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t belong in this world. We are sojourners passing through. When we fall into the trap of living like the world and focusing on ourselves, how will people see their need for Jesus? Instead, let’s remember our purpose to live for the Lord and not the world.

Do Not Love the World

Turning to Scripture, John cautions us against loving the world in I John 2:15-17 (HCSB):  

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”

From verse 15, we learn it is impossible to love the world and God simultaneously. Why? Because the world’s principles contradict God’s principles found in His Word. Furthermore, adhering to the world’s principles draws our hearts away from God. Conversely, spending time in God’s Word draws our hearts to Him and gives us discernment to distinguish between His principles and the world’s.

Be Alert to 3 Things

In verse 16 of our passage, John alerts us about three things pertaining to this world.

1. Lust of the flesh or cravings of the sinful nature

Even though we are Christians, we still battle with the sinful desires of the flesh. Refuse to yield to such desires by daily crucifying the sinful nature and submitting to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25). As Christians, we no longer live for ourselves but for the Lord.

2. Lust of the eyes means desiring what we see with our eyes.

This includes lusting after material things and envying others for their possessions. To resist the lust of the eyes, exercise self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray. Turn away from the object. Flee from the situation. Avoid places that tempt you. 

When we seek after God above all else, He will provide what we need (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, friends, it is unnecessary to pursue excessive material gain knowing the Lord will take care of us.

Additionally, followers of Christ are called to love and “consider others as more important than [themselves]” (Philippians 2:3 CSB). So instead of envying others, let’s look for opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ.

3. Pride in one’s lifestyle describes a person engrossed in their accomplishments and possessions.

Remember what Jesus advised the rich young ruler who had many possessions? ‘“Go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me”’ (Matthew 19:21 CSB). Jesus knew the rich young ruler’s heart was bound up in his possessions and wanted him to recognize this. Sadly, this young man chose his possessions over Jesus.

Oh friends, may we not make the same mistake. Instead of seeking after material things and boasting about our accomplishments, may we boast about the Lord and what He has done for us. When we do, we glorify God rather than ourselves. Plus, our testimony gives unbelievers a chance to see their need for a Savior.

Worldly Things Will Pass Away

Lastly, verse 17 of our passage informs us that the things of this world will pass away. Friends, worldly things are temporary and unable to provide lasting satisfaction. The only thing that can fully satisfy us is Jesus Christ.

Only in Christ, do we find true joy and hope of an eternal future in heaven. Unlike worldly things, our heavenly inheritance will never fade, perish or spoil (I Peter 1:4). Our true citizenship is in heaven, not in this world (Philippians 3:20). Therefore, let’s “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

Resolve to Live for the Lord

Now that we comprehend the futility of loving this world, let’s resolve to live for the Lord and not the world by

• Seeking God above all else
• Spending time in God’s Word and communing with Him
• Crucifying our sinful nature and submitting to the Spirit
• Considering others as more important than ourselves
• Boasting about the Lord and giving glory to Him
• Focusing on eternal things not worldly things

Friends may our lives be a testimony of the good God we serve, so that those in the world see their need for Jesus.

Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit who empowers us to resist the temptations of this world. Forgive us for the times we have chosen to love the world instead of You. May Your Spirit remind us that we cannot love the world and You at the same time. We submit our lives to You, for we desire to live only for You and to glorify Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Additional Scripture References

James 4:4 (CSB), “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God.”

John 17:16-18 (CSB), “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” 

Romans 12:2 (NIV), “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”