What Does It Mean “Not To LOve The World?”

Warnings Against Unfaithfulness What does the world mean!
“In the world, but not of it”–this is a phrase commonly used to characterize the Christian’s relationship to the world. And yet many and varied are the opinions about what constitutes “worldliness.” Many religious groups and denom inations forbid, either explicitly or implicitly, certain behaviors. In some circles smoking is forbidden; some groups look down on drinking al coholic beverages, dancing, rock music or attending movies. And yet in other groups, cultures or countries, other strictures may be in place, while those just listed are not. A Christian from an Eastern European country once told me that in his circles attending public sporting events was frowned upon. Some stricter groups have avoided the use of modern machinery and automobiles.
The common thread in avoiding “worldliness” is the desire to con form one’s life to the will of God and not to the dictates of the world. Obviously this is a laudable goal. And although the present passage does not give us rules and regulations, it does make plain the incompatibility of love for the world and love for God. But the conception of worldliness in this epistle goes far deeper than the idea of outlawing some behaviors that non-Christians tolerate. We are called to an active devotion to God that shapes all that we are and do. Barclay captures the essence of the passage when he entitles it “Rivals for the Human Heart” (1976:55). The world is not simply a passive entity, but a rival for the allegiance of every person.Do Not Love the World (2:15)
But what exactly is the world that the Christian disciple is commanded not to love? John 3:16 asserts that God “loved the world.” Are God’s children to do less? Too often Chris tians live as though they were of the world, but not in it. They have adopted the good things of culture and society, but refuse to involve themselves to create positive change. They take credit for the good, but shift the blame for the bad. John does not mean that Christians are to shun involvement in secular or political affairs, or that they are not to care about and for that which we call “the world.” What, then, does the command do not love the world really mean?
We are helped by noting that in Johannine thought world (kosmos) is used in a variety of ways. First, world can refer, positively, to that which God created (Jn 1:9-10) or a realm where one exists (8:23; 9:5; 10:36; 11:27). Second, it also may refer to the people who inhabit the world (Jn 1:10; 3:16-17; 4:42; 6:51; 7:4; 8:12, 26; 9:5; 12:19, 47). God’s love is directed toward them, but their response to that love is mixed (3:17-21; 9:39). Third, world is used more negatively and characteristically to des ignate those who reject or ignore God (or Jesus), those who live without recognizing the claims of God upon them. We find this negative usage of world often (Jn 1:10; 3:17; 8:23; 9:39; 12:31; 14:17, 19, 22; 15:18-19). That this world is in the power of the evil one (12:31; 14:30; 16:11) and hence opposed to God is particularly emphasized in 1 John (4:4; 5:19). Nevertheless, God still loves the world and sent the Son to destroy the works of the devil (3:8, 16). The following diagram illustrates the neg ative usage of world in this passage:
(A) The world (B) with its values (C) is passing away.
(a) The one who obeys (b) the will of God (c) remains forever.
Those who are “the world” stand over against those who obey. What makes the world “worldly” is its persistent rejection of the claims of God in favor of its own values and desires. In this passage, world and anything in this world designate a complex web of values, decisions and direc tions in life chosen without consideration for knowing and doing the will of God. When the Elder writes do not love the world he in essence calls people to make a choice for God’s way of doing things and not for the world’s ways.
But how does this square with the statement of John 3:16 that God loved the world? In that well-known verse God’s love is demonstrated by the sending of the Son, an act intended to “save the world.” God saves people who are bound by the world and its values by freeing them from their captivity. Quite simply, loving the world does not mean accepting it as it is, but remaking it into what it was created by God to be: people living in the realm of life and light.
The command do not love the world demands that we reject those ways of life which do not lead us to God or to the practice of truth, justice, righteousness and love.

Be Yourself!

In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of enjoying your life will come from being who you are. God has not created us to be people pleasers, and seek out the approval of other people. Often times when we are seeking out the approval of others, they often won’t give it no matter how hard we try. We even can go out of our way and do things we don’t even like to do just to get someone to approve of us, or like us. Have you ever noticed that those same people will never give us what were looking for? So why keep trying? Why don’t we be ourselves, and the ones who appreciate who we are, and like us for who are, allow them to become the ones we associate with and influence us! Emotionally, this is the best thing that we can do to truly have emotional freedom, and find friends who will last a lifetime. By Being yourself, you and i should discover who God has created us to be, and be happy in pursuing that, while at the same time finding significance, purpose, confidence and contentment. Self confidence has great power, don’t underestimate it! It can make you or break you! We must learn to like who God has created us to be. Believe it or not, and i am aware that this might seem controversial to some, God wants you to like yourself. Look at the following scripture:

Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Allow me to ask you a question? Would you or God want you to love you neighbor the way that you love yourself?

Some of us don’t like who we are, and through Christ, that can change!

What we need to do is learn to like who we are, accept who we are, and receive God’s unconditional love for us.

If you would like to learn how you can change your self perspective, receive God’s love, and become a confident person, based on accepting and being yourself, request the audio message, “Be yourself and Like it!” pastorlonnie@gcwc.org

What A Great Opportunity!

I am so thankful that I have had my eyes opened to the greatest gift which is life itself! Through the teaching of serveral mentors, and the word of God I have been so inspired to take ahold of life and make the most of it. Often times, I have thought that what ever deck of cards life has handed me, i must learn to deal with them and hope for the best. Thank God I was wrong! I have been called to make an impact for God, and make life enjoyable, successful, and happy. I may have things come my way that are uncomfortable, and unforeseen, yet, with faith in God and his Word, i can choose my destiny, change my outcome and make the most of this great opportunity called life! I don’t have to be a survivor or a victim, through Christ I Can be an overcomer!