Read: 1 John 2:15-17 Listen: 1 John 2

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15

John uses strong language to warn his readers. He tells them that if they love the world, they don't love God. John doesn’t mean that the physical world is bad. He’s talking about loving the things that culture says will make someone happy, the things people pursue for satisfaction or meaning outside of God. John tells his readers that those things don’t last. Only a life built on love for God stands the test of time.

It’s no different for us today. Our desires cannot be truly met through the values of our culture. No relationship, account balance, experience, job title, social media following, health status or academic achievement will ultimately satisfy us. We were created by an infinite God to have desires that only God can meet. When we love the world instead of God, we take something that's meant to be enjoyed and turn it into the most important thing in our lives. Like John says, that means we love something other than God. If we do that, we have to ask ourselves whether we love God or not.

TODAY: Spend time in confession. Identify the thing you are tempted to think will satisfy you. Confess that to God and ask him to turn your heart toward loving him. Use this model prayer as a way to turn to God instead of the world: “I confess that I’ve been chasing _______ for fulfillment. I know fulfillment is only found in you, God. Help me to grow my love for you. Amen.”