Do Not Love the World—But Be Rich in God

Do Not Love the World—But Be Rich in God

“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. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17.

The world is passing away, and the lust of it, and those who follow the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience will also pass away together with the world. But just imagine having the grace to go in the exact opposite direction, right from your youth!

We are called to lay up heavenly riches—true riches that fill our spirits—but to do so, we must seek God’s kingdom first and last. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt. 6:24. We must be willing to give up everything in this world in order to lay hold of the true riches.

The exhortation not to love the world is not given to those who have gone far out into sin and who need to be converted. This exhortation is given to fathers, to the young people who were strong; the word of God dwelt in them, and they had overcome the wicked one! 1 John 2:14.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” 1 Tim. 6:11. It is impossible to lay hold of these heavenly treasures without a “forced march” away from your own self. There is also a whole world of evil, pride, arrogance, honor seeking, and so on within us, which God would gladly reveal to us. These things must be acknowledged and suffered through, so that they have less and less power over our lives, to the extent that the light shines.

It is only in the body of Christ that we can obtain these virtues, and it is only there that these riches are glorified. There we find spiritual power—yes, the power to trample Satan’s power underfoot. “And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” Eph. 1:19.

If I am to find the true treasures, I must, in spirit and in truth, lay down my life and follow Jesus into the lowly places. These fruits of the Spirit are not found up high; they are low-hanging, and we know that we need grace from God to be able to follow Jesus down there. “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3.

We sing in WotL no. 59: “Down in the depths we find the hidden treasures; down in the depths are wisdom, peace, and grace. ‘Tis there alone we understand life’s meaning; God’s hidden glory’s in that secret place.” Then our hearts will be so comforted by such treasures that the world and the lust of it lose their power more and more completely!