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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. --- 1 John 2:16 Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behavior---the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) ‘craving for physical pleasure’ ---preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) ‘craving for everything we see’ ---coveting and accumulation things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) ‘pride in our achievements and possessions’ ---obsession with one’s status or importance. When the serpent tempted Eve (Genesis 3:6), he tempted her in these areas. Also, when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, these were his three areas of attack (see Matthew 4:1-11) By contrast, God values self-control, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to humble service. It is possible to give the impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still harboring worldly attitudes in one’s heart. It is also possible, like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time with them while maintaining a commitment to the values of God’s Kingdom. What values are most important to you? Do your actions reflect the world’s values or God’s values? When the desire for possessions and sinful pleasures feels so intense, we probably doubt that these objects of desire will all one day pass away. It may be even more difficult to believe that the person who does the will of God will live forever. But this was John’s conviction based on the facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promises. Knowing that this evil world will end can give you the courage to deny yourself temporary pleasures in this world in order to enjoy what God has promised for eternity. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, Remind me how transient this world is. Make me realize the false sense of happiness and the empty promise that this world offers. Empower me to guard my heart from the things that distract me from Your truth. Enable me to conquer the flesh desires. Help me to fix my eyes above where our eternal future and treasure with God is. In Jesus’ name, Amen