I John 2:15 NKJV

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.

I John 2:15 NKJV

James speaks a lot about character building and developing our spirit man to rule over our mind and body.

"Do not love the world" is not talking about the external world out there. He is talking about the internal world.

In verse 16 James tells us that this world he is talking about is the desires that are attached to the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

The world is not the external things but the internal desires we have; lusting over what we see, what our flesh craves and the ego of being in control over everything.

The world out there has no power if the world within gives no access to it. Therefore, the most important thing James is teaching us is to harness our desires toward God and be living in all that Jesus has accomplished for us.

Desires are part of God's image in man. To desire something is not wrong. God made the world so beautiful for mankind to enjoy it.

Desires are formed when we give attention to them for some time until we start to believe them.

Our senses start to respond to it. Then our mind leads the body to just do it regardless of whether it's right or wrong.

Paul urges believers to desire the best gifts. But greater than desiring for gifts is to set our heart and mind to desire God because all the good, the best and the greatest comes only from God.

If we have our hearts and minds set on God, on His teachings, on His character and on what He loves, we would find our desires will be like His.

The key to living like Jesus is to love Him with all of our heart, mind and strength. Then we will wire up every part of us to flow effortlessly doing what Jesus would do.

The way to discard the lust of the eye, flesh and pride of life is to set all our attention and all the members of our body on Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone.

Blessings

Ambrose Francis