“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.” (1 John 2:16-17 ESV)
We live in a world of instant gratification. We have almost any imaginable pleasure only a click or two away. We have on-demand streaming platforms, next-day delivery, and food and groceries brought directly to our front door in a matter of minutes. Immediate availability is not inherently morally wrong, but it does condition us toward a perspective that is. An attitude which craves and seeks instantaneous satisfaction is directly contrary to an attitude which is sanctified by the Spirit.
John’s first epistle repeatedly offers means for testing the genuineness of faith. In the verses at hand, he points to the primary affection of the heart. The one in whom the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life hold the strongest sway demonstrates a heart that has not been made new. Those with such short-sighted desires will receive the short-sighted reward for which they were seeking as the satisfaction of those desires disappears as quickly as it arrived. It is the ultimate loss: to pursue so passionately the things of this world only to see them immediately fade to nothing once obtained.
John specifically notes the kinds of desires of which this love of the world consists. First, he mentions the desires of the flesh. This refers to the pleasures which entice our physical body, such as sensuality and gluttony. The fulfillment of such desires provides a sort of momentary euphoria, only to be eclipsed moments later by a gnawing emptiness. Our sinful nature is prone to hedonistic appetites, but attempts to satisfy such hungers lead only to destruction.
Second, John warns against the desires of the eyes—in short, the things of the world we covet and attempt to accumulate for ourselves. There is a desire in our fallen hearts to possess the riches of this world. We see things we do not have, and our hearts are filled with envious passion. Such desire is diametrically opposed to contentment. We want more and exhaust ourselves in such a pursuit in the same way that one chases after a mist. For many, these cavernous eyes exhibit a heart that has never known the all-sufficient love of the Savior.
Finally, the love of the world involves the pride of life. There is much that could be included in this, but among it is the insatiable desire for the approval and praise of man. Being held in high regard by others feeds the pride that comes all too naturally to us. Our hearts can become so distorted by the fleeting praise of man that we altogether miss the commendation of the One who made us for himself.
John says that the world and its desires are “passing away.” Such language illustrates the utter futility of the pursuits that arise from loving the world. Countless men and women devote their entire lives to satisfying these desires that count for absolutely nothing in the end. It is clear why John so passionately exhorts his readers not to love the world. Not only will they find nothing that lasts, but they will fall headlong into sin and destruction. Only the one who “does the will of God abides forever.” Those who have received the love of God will turn from the futility of the world’s love to the eternally abiding love of God. Through his love, they can be content to let the desires and pleasures of the world pass them by as they wait for the eternal communion with God that will be theirs at the consummation of redemption.It is worth waiting for such an inheritance.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
The allurements of the world are powerful influences. Strengthen us to walk in obedience as we look to the heavenly reward that is ours in Christ.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Tuesday: Pray for discipleship initiatives in South Asia.
- Wednesday: Pray for missionaries serving in Zambia.
- Thursday: Pray for all those participating in short-term medical missions trips.
- Friday: Pray for missionaries training other believers to share the gospel with grace and truth with LGBTQ individuals.
- Saturday: Pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest field.
- Sunday: Pray for missionaries serving in Romania.
- Monday: Pray for missionaries serving in educational ministries.
Featured Opportunity to Serve:
Healthcare Personnel
Location: Bangladesh
A variety of medical personnel, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists are urgently needed to serve at our partner hospital, Memorial Christian Hospital, in Bangladesh. Both short-term and long-term opportunities are available.
