Loving the World*

I John 2:15-17

One thing that makes English hard to learn as a second language is the many and varied meanings a single word may have. Even those who speak only English may forget or not know some of the meanings of a word, and misunderstand a statement as a result. This becomes especially problematic as meanings change over time

One word that can be easily misunderstood is the word ‘fear.’ In modern English the most common use of the word by far is that of being actually afraid. If we accept that definition in every case, Leviticus 19:3 forces us to overlook child abuse. “Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.” After all children are to be afraid of their parents, if we accept that definition. Comparing it with many other references, however, we find that that is not what is meant at all. Exodus 20 12 for example, states “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Numerous other verses also use the word “honor.”

As used here, the word ‘fear’ means the same as the modern meaning of the word ‘respect,’ another word that has a different meaning in modern English than in old English. This is the usual meaning of ‘fear’ in the phrase “fear the Lord.” The phrase is used throughout the Old Testament, but rarely in the new. To love the Lord is a more common phrase, and from I Corinthians 13:4-8, we see that an attitude of respect is essential to show love.

Proverbs 14:2 states that a person’s behavior demonstrates his attitude toward God. “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.” A man who respects God will endeavor to do what is right. He will begin to hate what is not right. Proverbs 8:13 defines the things people who respect or fear God will hate. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”

In modern society, pride and arrogance are considered desirable traits. After all as one Ad states, “I deserve it.” Dishonesty, deceit, extortion and intimidation are hallmarks of successful business, as is demonstrated by the attitudes of the banking system. The refusal to control their tongue abounds in our society, and is encouraged. Clearly our modern world has no respect for God, which we already knew. The Christian attitude ought to be different.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (I John 2:15-17)

It is impossible to love God while loving the things of the world. Everything the world offers is for earthly pleasure, and is purely temporary. In addition, it all comes at the expense of other people, and requires doing things that are against God to obtain. Everything the world offers caters to one of three things.

The first thing the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the satisfaction of physical desires, whether excess food, drugs, or sexual pleasure. Religiously it refers to finding a religion that makes one feel good as they are. We see the effects in the levels of obesity, drug use and promiscuity in the modern world.

The lust of the eyes refers to the attitude of getting something that looks better, a newer car, a bigger house, a prettier wife, or a higher paying job. Religiously, it focuses on activities in the church.

The pride of life is about competition, about being stronger, smarter, prettier, richer, better, or more powerful. It drives our politicians, our sports figures, our super wealthy people. Religiously the focus is on being the biggest or most famous, or having the fanciest buildings.

Everyone of these direct our attention away from God. As Jesus points out you cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24-34 addresses the point in some detail. One must choose which he loves. By default, by not making a choice, we choose the world. Proverbs 23:17-18 advises, “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Don’t get discouraged and give in to the temptation to go along.