Devotionals

Misplaced Love

by Jennifer Woodley 
05/06/21
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‘Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world.’ 1 John 2:15 (NIV)

It would be true to say that the love of the world rules too much in the lives of many Christians. John warned Christ followers to beware of ‘the lust of the flesh’ (pleasure in eating, drinking, ease and comfort), ‘the lust of the eyes’ (delight in all that the world offers of beauty and possessions) and ‘the pride of life’ (self-exultation and boasting of what humans have accomplished in their wisdom and power). The more we pursue a worldly life, the less the Heavenly life dwells within us because the ‘lusts’ that John speaks of rob our hearts of its desire for self-denial and willingness to abide with Christ. Many have shipwrecked their faith by misplacing their love.

Do we experience rejection, misunderstanding or ridicule by others who are not Christians?  Do we feel a sense of disconnection and behave differently from those who don’t know Christ? Or do our words, behaviour and attitudes look just like the surrounding culture? Where have we placed our affections, in the world or with Christ and all He stands for?

Men and women of God, we are called out to be separate and not conform! United with Christ in His death and resurrection, we belong to another world. And we must demonstrate that we are citizens of a Heavenly Kingdom, far more glorious and lasting than this earthly one. We are sojourners simply passing through. Let’s ensure that the lusts of the world do not weigh us down, distract our attention or misplace our love.