One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 1 John 2:15–17. It’s not an easy or feel-good passage. I love it because of how convicting it is and how clear it is. People love to inject their own opinions and rationalizations into the Bible and, in doing so, neuter its message and strip it of its power. This passage leaves no room for any such nonsense.
It says if we love the things of this world, we don’t love God. There are no qualifiers, no exceptions, and no loopholes. The converse shows us how to navigate this life: if we love God, we will not love the things of this world. If you want to show your love for God, don’t love this world.
The only reason we love the pleasures of this world is that we desire to live for ourselves instead of for the One who gives us life. (Romans 6:16) We want to be the Lord of our lives instead of bowing to Jesus. (Luke 6:46) But don’t be a fool. Don’t love this world because almost everything we desire in it is a lie. Satan is the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4), and he is the ultimate liar. He cannot speak without lying. (John 8:44) There is no logic in following someone like that. If you live for lies, you will die in those lies and spend eternity paying the price for your rejection of the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12; Romans 6:23)
Jesus asked what good would it do to gain everything in this world if it costs you your soul? (Matthew 16:25–26) That’s a terrible trade! Who would sacrifice eternity with their loving Creator for a few moments of temporary and illusory bliss? Only a fool would make such a bargain. (Psalm 14:1) We don’t belong here. (John 17:13–16) We belong with our Father in Heaven. (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:16) Therefore, set your thoughts on what is above, and not on what is here below. (Colossians 3:1–2)
Don’t love this world because showing friendship to the things of this life is to show hatred towards God. (James 4:4) Do you want God as your enemy? That’s a battle you can’t win. (Isaiah 45:9; Hebrews 10:31) God is undefeated, and you will not be the one to tarnish His record. If you fight God, you will lose. (Job 9:4) If you rebel against His Son, you will spend eternity in Hell. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:15) Can’t you see how shortsighted it is to live for selfish pleasures and desires? (Ecclesiastes 2:11) You can’t take any of them with you, and they are damning your soul. (1 Timothy 6:7–9)
The god of this world is Satan, so when we love the things of this world, we are in fact worshipping the devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19) We don’t want to think about that, and so we choose to gloss over the truth. You will either love God and hate sin, or you will love sin and hate God. (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:12–13)
There’s nothing trivial about any sin. (James 2:10) In His holiness, God cannot overlook any offense against Him. (Habakkuk 1:13) Unless the blood of Jesus covers us, we will face the terrifying wrath of the Almighty God. (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 5:9) If Christ’s blood covers us, then we must not go on sinning. (1 John 3:6; Romans 6:1–2) Don’t love this world. Such love will only lead to death. (Romans 6:23) Live your life in service and love for our God and King. (Joshua 24:15; John 14:15) This is the way to eternal life. (John 17:3; Matthew 7:14)