Thursday – We Can Be Deceived by Loving the World
Read: 1 John 5:19; 1 John 2:15-16; Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:13-14
SOAP: Colossians 2:8
SOAP: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ.- Colossians 2:8
When we love the world, our perception becomes skewed.
We forget that the world is in the power of the evil one. When we do that, the things of the world begin to look attractive and if we are not careful, we can be influenced by the world and as a result, damaged by the devastation of sin. It is, therefore, critical that we are not careless in how we live our lives and instead alert to the different ways we can be influenced by the values found in the world instead of God’s Word. Even though we live in the world, we must remember that we are not of the world. We belong to Christ.
Instead of living aimlessly and allowing the world to dictate our affections and beliefs, God calls us to hold firm to His teaching and continue in our belief. By doing this, we will not let go of the Truth when the world tries to sway us a different way. How can you guard against loving the things of this world?
Father God, thank You for giving us Your Word as an anchor for Truth. Help me to rely on You when I am tempted by the world. Forgive me for the times when I have allowed the attractiveness of the world to lure me away from You. Thank You for Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.