There are two choices we are given as to what we can love, the world or God. We can’t love both.
John 2:15- 17 says “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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
You cannot love both the world and the Father at the same time. We must choose. As believers, the best part is that we do not have to choose to love the Father on our own strength. In Christ, we can do all things. All impossible things become possible with Him.
Our flesh is sinful. It desires the things of the world. The world coaxes us into wanting the fleeting things it can offer. Money, popularity, and fame. The things of the world come with a great price. Death. They are not of the Father. The Father offers us security through his provisions, through his love, and through a relationship with Him. The Father offers us life. The world cannot offer life as the Father can.
How do we love the Father? We love our heavenly Father by loving His son. Loving His word. Loving those who He loves. Seek first His kingdom.
ACTION STEPS with your kids: Read 1 John 2:15-17 with your kids. Talk about what desires of the flesh are. Help them to see some consequences of giving in to the earthly desires that we may have. Pray together, asking the Lord to give you a desire for the things that please Him. Pray boldly with and for your kids to seek first His kingdom and His glory.
