The World and Money $$$

1st John 1:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

It's easy to get caught up in things. This thing, that thing, and the other thing. I've said before, it's OK to have money, as long as money doesn't have you. Jesus clearly said a man could not serve two masters, God and money. Money is a necessary thing, we need it to survive....for food, to pay bills, for housing, light, and transportation. So again, things are OK to have, as long as they don't have you. Don't love them. God is still a jealous God. He wants to be number one in our lives. Not 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 100th... He deserves to be number one in our lives. After all, He put us first. 

Also, don't love this world. Guess what? This is NOT our home. It's just like when you go to stay at a hotel, even for an extended period. You might even refer to it as home out of habit. You might say something like, "OK, let's go home." meaning the hotel. But you and your family know it's NOT home. When you finally arrive at your home, there's no convincing anyone you're home...they just know it. Well this world is not our home, it's only a temporary thing, just like the hotel. Although our home doesn't need renovations in order for us to move in, WE are the ones in need of renovation...hehehehe. For years now I've wanted to design a shirt that has a construction sign on it, or with some visible construction on it, and a caption that says, "God's still working on me." 

So what is in this world that we should avoid like the plague? Lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life. I think those are pretty self-explanatory. And besides, all that stuff is on its way out...soon it will be no more. We need to purpose in our hearts to avoid those things. Two out of the three are as easy as a mouse click... Not too long ago folks had to go to a shady part of town, or out in the middle of nowhere and disguise themselves to go buy their porn. Now it's just a mouse click away. No one sees, no one knows...but that's not true, now is it? 

Let's purpose in our hearts to follow Christ's example of how to live, love, and behave. If you have problems in certain areas, ask for His help. He will, if you'll just ask. Call upon Him and trust in Him...and you'll see things change...in your life, and in others. My being here isn't an accident. Many prayed for a very long time, and God heard and answered their prayers. So keep praying, and keep believing... 

:-)James