Letting Go

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

15 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. 16 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. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

When we talk about the “world” as Christians, what exactly are we talking about? This isn’t a reference to the physical or material world, but the invisible nature of sin that controls mankind and is in direct opposition to God. It is possible for a person to avoid such things as drinking, smoking, cursing, etc. and still love the world.

Worldliness is a matter of the heart, and when we love the world’s system and the things in it, we are sacrificing our love for God.

We give up things we love for things we love even more. What is something worldly you are holding to that you need to let go of?

Christ is the perfect role model of sacrifice. He gave up everything for us. He stayed focused on the task at hand. Nobody believed in Him, the crowd turned on Him, and the government mocked Him. Still, He didn’t let this world deter Him. Neither will you. So what are you going to give up?

Dear Lord, help us take a good look at what worldly things we are hanging onto Help us to give them up so that we may be more like You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.