Love Not the World

This week in Legit Bible Study we talked about the passage in I John 2:15-17, "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. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."  This is a powerful passage that certainly makes us question the loyalty of our hearts based upon our desires.  Certainly none of us have perfectly mastered the art of Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New but it is something we need to think about.
After the lesson as I reflected on the kids and whether or not the message got through to them I started to think about the ways we as Spiritual leaders do not make Loving God over the World any easier in their lives.

If Anyone Loves the World, the Love of the Father is not in him


It is impossible for God and the evil ways of the world to coexist in our hearts.  We will either love the one or love the other but you cannot do both at the same time.  Do our kids see that played out in the lives of their spiritual leaders.  The parents, pastors and other leaders who come in contact with the kids need to set the example for the kids.  What are the things you talk about with the kids?  What are the obvious things that you love?
When people spend any amount of time with Tori and I they often comment about the obvious love between us.  This is good in our relationship.  When I have to make small talk it often comes back to the Cubs or some other sports topic, because I love them.  I have noticed how few times it starts by going to God and my love and passion for Him.  Where does your mind go first when you have to make small talk?  Is it reflective of your love for God or do have something first?
So how about you are you loving Christ before everything else?  Make it obvious.  Remember He did not pause one time to think about anything other than His love for you when He suffered and died for you!

The Lust of the Flesh


The desire to please our own wants and needs are natural in all of us.  We can harp on the kids about the sensual lyrics to the popular songs (and they are very sensual) and walk out and live a life entirely focused on pleasing ourselves.  I listened to an interview with Francis Chan this week about why he is resigning from his church and I cannot even remember the reason why he is resigning.  All I remember is him talking about being willing to sacrifice his comfort and everything that could be a safety net in his life in order to more effectively advance the Gospel.  If we love God more than anything then why are we so consumed with our comfort and desires.
Do you let your love for Christ supersede your desire to please your self?

The Lust of the Eyes


Yesterday as I was leaving the office I saw a Ford GT Yellow with a hood scoop and I said wow, I wish I had that.  All the time I am driven by my desires that I see with my eyes.  I want that soda because it looks good I want the shirt because it looks cool.  We need to lift up our eyes and look at the fields that are white unto harvest and focus on reaching them.  When we see the eternal separate for the temporal maybe our lusts will change to a desire to reach those around us.
Do you see life the way God does or are you to busy filling your eyes wishes?

Pride of Life


This is the hardest one for me.  I love to have everyone around me love me.  I need to have the focus that my joy needs to come for less of me and more of God.  I love the quote given from a fellow believer in Rwanda written the night before he died, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”

This needs to be our thoughts and motivations for every day.  Stop worrying about whether those around you will be offended by the clarity of the Gospel in your life.

Now about the Kids

How can you influence those younger believers to follow Christ over the world?  Start by letting your love for God so permeate your life that you will let it leak out in your life.