Giving Priority to God’s Priorities

1 John 2:15-16 (NIV®)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

John famously wrote that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16 NIV®). Yet, here, he tells us not to love “the world or anything in the world.” John is not contradicting himself; we simply need to make a distinction between loving the people of the world and loving things that are not of God. This is the challenge of Scripture—to submit ourselves to God. That means making God’s priorities our priorities. That means saying, “Lord, I will serve you—wherever, whenever, however.” This is a different mindset than, “How often do I need to read my Bible and pray? How much time and money do I have to give?” When we lay down the privilege of self-determination and give every part of our lives to God, we will be blessed beyond anything “the world” has to offer.

THINK ABOUT IT
Walking with God means we do not rush ahead of Him, follow at a distance, wander, or take a different direction, doing our own thing. Walking with God means we stay in step with Him because He is our priority.

Heavenly Father, You are my God and Creator. Thank You for the privilege of serving You. Help me to discern Your pathways. I choose to give Your truth and Word first place in my life. May I have the courage, discipline, and strength to choose You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.