15a Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
This is not a prohibition against Christians being enterprising and industrious in their work or business. After all, the Scriptures encourage us to be diligent in our occupations. The Scriptures give us commands, such as “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:23), and also “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough” (Proverbs 28:19).
However, nothing in this world, whether it be education, or business, or job, or hobby, or family, or friends, etc., should ever be loved more than God. Nothing and no one should be given first place in our hearts, which is rightfully the Lord’s. Though many things in the world are not sinful in themselves, nonetheless if not checked, they will stifle our love for God.
Our hearts’ supreme affection must be reserved for the Lord, who has loved us and given His life to save us. Our affection for our blessed Saviour must surpass all other relationships and commitments we have. He must be exalted, adored and loved above all else in this world. Everything in our life must remain in subjection to His supremacy. In our hearts, the Lord should always be enthroned, and all else be subservient to His glory and authority. Whatever comes in competition with the supremacy of Christ in our lives must be discarded. All that demand our devotion at the expense of the Lord are unworthy of our consideration.
Unfortunately, worldliness is very prevalent among Christians of our time. Materialism, carnal behaviour, immodesty, ungodly entertainment, intimate friendships with the unregenerate, and many other forms of worldliness are increasing among churchgoers. Very few pastors and preachers warn against this spiritual ‘disease’ of worldliness that affects their congregations. Because of the hesitation of preachers to warn against worldliness, it has become a very deep-rooted spiritual problem in the lives of the church people. To make matters worse, pastors and preachers, and their own families are now promoters of worldly fashions!
Have you ever wondered why many professing Christians are infatuated with the world? When their love for Christ wanes, they become ruinously attracted to the things of this world. So let us be vigilant, lest we too lose our first love for the Lord and be lost in our worldly pursuits.