There is a profound directive found in the first epistle of John that cuts through the noise of modern existence:

"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."

It is a clear demarcation that leaves little room for compromise. The text suggests that an affection for the system of this world stands in direct opposition to the love for the Father. It forces us to ask: what does it mean to love the world?

The Origin of Desire and The Enemy

The passage categorizes "everything in the world" not as neutral matter, but as active spiritual forces: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These do not originate from the Father; they are manifestations of a world order designed to distract and consume.

We act as if we are friends with the world, yet scripture is explicit: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?" (James 4:4). To choose friendship with the world is to position oneself as an enemy of God. This is not a passive drift; it is an active allegiance. It is a spiritual betrayal characterized by three specific alignments: an alignment of value, treasuring what perishes with use over the eternal; an alignment of will, submitting to the seeking of status and validation; and an alignment of purpose, seeking the praise of men rather than the approval of God.

The whole world lies under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19). We see this in the false shepherds who feed only themselves, clouds without rain, autumn trees without fruit - twice dead. They follow their own ungodly desires, boasting and flattering others for their own advantage. They are the "wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame" (Jude 1:12-13; 16).

Conformity vs. Transformation

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

Conformity is the default state. It is submitting to the "elemental spiritual forces of this world" even after dying to them with Christ. Why, as though we still belonged to the world, do we submit to its rules? Regulations that have an "appearance of wisdom" with self-imposed worship and false humility, yet lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Colossians 2:20-23).

Transformation requires resistance. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." It calls for a profound cleansing: "Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." It is a call to change laughter into mourning and joy into gloom - to humble ourselves before the Lord so that He may lift us up (James 4:7-10).

Victory and Eternal Perspective

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17).

We are not left defenseless. "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Our victory over the world is our faith - specifically, the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Through this faith, we overcome (1 John 5:4-5).

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." You cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Since we have been raised with Christ, we must set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, not on Earthly things. Our life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3).

May we never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to us, and we to the world (Galatians 6:14). As a result, we no longer live for evil human desires, but for the will of God. The time for living like pagans - in debauchery, lust, and idolatry - is past. They may heap abuse on you because you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, but they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:2-5).

Therefore, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life (Jude 1:21). To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, now and forevermore. Amen (Jude 1:24-25).