It's a Bible verse that we all have (or probably have) heard. It's mentioned in our churches. In our conversations. We can quote it verbatim. But do we REALLY understand what it means?
What is "the world?" Does John (the writer of 1 John) mean the earth? No. What is it then? The world, in this writing, means the evil in the world. This is the world that Satan dominates. It includes things that oppose the Kingdom of God.
1 John goes on to say, "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." (1 John 2:16 NIV)
So the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride if life are things that oppose God.
The lust of the flesh is pretty simple to describe. It's the desire for anything that is forbidden by God. This can be fornication, adultery, homosexual sex, drugs, drunkenness, hatred, jealousy, etc. "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV)
The lust of the eyes is also something many of us can describe. It's desiring the things that we see in the world. Let me clarify, there is nothing wrong with desiring a better life. What makes some desires wrong is our motives. There's one thing to want more money in order to provide for our families. It's a completely different situation when we desire more income in order to place ourselves above others. When we desire to be "big shots" in order to "stunt," we turn money into an idol. The Bible says we can't serve God and money. And it's absolutely right. The love of money positions itself as a total opposite of the love of God. Check your motives.
There are many different theories as to what "the pride of life" is. I believe that the pride of life is a life saturated with arrogance. One that is totally self-centered and does not glorify God for it's accomplishments.
All of these things are in direct violation of the word of God. Thankfully, we serve a mighty God....one who loves us. Let's turn our backs to the things of this world and serve God wholeheartedly. After all, "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17 NIV)
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