Do Not Love the World
Day 1: The Love That Competes
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:15-16 (CSB)
“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 everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
Commentary:
In today’s passage, John calls believers to examine their affections. To “love the world” is not a call to hate creation or people but to reject the sinful systems, desires, and values that oppose God. The world, as John describes, entices us with the lust of the flesh (unrestrained appetites), the lust of the eyes (coveting what we see), and pride in possessions (boasting in material wealth). These distractions hinder our fellowship with God and distort our purpose as His image-bearers.
To truly know God is to direct our love toward Him, seeking His approval above worldly temptations. Loving the world more than God is like trying to walk in two directions at once—it leads nowhere. Choose the path of devotion to God, the source of eternal fulfillment.
Reflection Questions:
What worldly desires compete for your affection toward God?
How does your love for God influence your daily choices?
Are there habits or possessions in your life that have become idols?
What does it look like to enjoy God’s blessings without loving the world?
Thought of the Day: Loving the world drains our capacity to love God fully.
Song: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel
Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal any misplaced affections in your heart and renew your desire to love Him first.
Day 2: A World in Opposition
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:17 (CSB)
“And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”
Commentary:
The world’s temptations are fleeting; they offer momentary satisfaction but leave an eternal void. John reminds us that the things of this world are temporary. Everything we pursue apart from God will ultimately fail us. In contrast, those who seek to do God’s will are investing in eternity, aligning their hearts with what lasts forever.
This verse challenges us to recalibrate our priorities. Are we storing treasures on earth or in heaven? God invites us to a life of purpose and eternal significance through obedience to His will. Following Him may require sacrifice, but the reward is immeasurable—eternal life with Him.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life reflect a focus on temporary things?
How do you seek to align your daily actions with God’s will?
Why is it difficult to let go of worldly attachments?
What eternal promises of God give you hope and direction?
Thought of the Day: Everything in the world is passing away; only God’s will remains.
Song: “Be Thou My Vision” by Dallan Forgaill
Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom to discern God’s will and courage to let go of temporal attachments.
Day 3: The Lust of the Flesh
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16-17 (CSB)
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh.”
Commentary:
The lust of the flesh represents the sinful cravings that dominate our human nature apart from Christ. These desires often seem harmless but can grow into habits that harm our relationship with God. Walking by the Spirit requires a daily surrender of our desires to align with God’s will.
Paul’s teaching in Galatians assures us that the Spirit empowers us to resist the flesh. Victory over the flesh begins with recognizing its influence and actively seeking the Spirit’s guidance. Trusting the Spirit leads to a life that reflects God’s holiness and glorifies Him.
Reflection Questions:
How does the lust of the flesh manifest in your life?
What does walking by the Spirit look like practically for you?
How can accountability help you resist the desires of the flesh?
What biblical truths strengthen you in moments of temptation?
Thought of the Day: Walking in the Spirit is the pathway to freedom from the flesh.
Song: “I Surrender All” by Judson W. Van DeVenter
Prayer Focus: Ask for the Holy Spirit’s strength to resist the desires of the flesh and to walk in obedience.
Day 4: Fixing Our Eyes
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:2 (CSB)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Commentary:
In a world full of distractions, fixing our eyes on eternal things requires intentionality. Paul’s words remind us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal. Earthly pursuits may provide temporary happiness, but only a heavenly perspective brings lasting joy and peace.
When we set our minds on things above, we begin to see life through God’s lens. This mindset transforms our values, decisions, and relationships. It helps us resist the pull of worldly allurements and keeps us steadfast in our faith journey.
Reflection Questions:
What practical steps can you take to focus on things above?
How does an eternal perspective change the way you view challenges?
What habits distract you from pursuing God wholeheartedly?
How can you daily remind yourself of God’s promises?
Thought of the Day: A heavenly perspective keeps us grounded in God’s truth.
Song: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas Chisholm
Prayer Focus: Pray for clarity to focus on eternal matters and the discipline to resist distractions.
Day 5: Abiding in Him
Scripture Reading: John 15:5 (CSB)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
Commentary:
To love God and not the world, we must abide in Christ. Abiding is an intimate, continual connection with Jesus that nourishes our faith and aligns our desires with His. Just as a branch draws life from the vine, our spiritual vitality depends on staying close to Jesus.
When we abide in Him, we bear the fruit of righteousness and resist the pull of the world. This abiding is not passive; it requires effort to remain in prayer, study God’s Word, and live in obedience. But the result is a flourishing relationship with God and the joy of knowing Him deeply.
Reflection Questions:
What does abiding in Christ mean to you personally?
How does your connection to Jesus impact your daily life?
What challenges hinder your ability to remain in Him?
How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ this week?
Thought of the Day: Abiding in Christ is the key to bearing fruit and resisting the world.
Song: “In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Prayer Focus: Pray for a deeper connection with Christ and for strength to remain steadfast in Him.