Thursday 12 January 2023
- Bible Book:
- 1 John
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world – the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches –comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever. (vs 15-17)
Background
1 John (notably chapter 4) speaks much about love. Whereas John's Gospel speaks of Jesus’ love for the world, this later version of John’s discipleship community were more concerned with the apocalyptic idea that the world was falling away and that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The writer here is explaining that any system (political, theological or ethical), which is counter to God’s intentions and purposes, is crumbling. As the readers are encouraged to prepare for the end times, so they are told to expect the removal of all objections and hostility to Christ.
In a world of mass persecution, this is a bold and somewhat comforting dogma. The hard stuff is passing. Stay on track, stay focussed, and stick with God’s purposes. What this passage doesn’t provide is a clear directive on discerning God’s purposes – something that we more often associate with St Paul's writings.
Within the poetic statements at the beginning, which are addressed to different generations (children, young people, etc), is a list of God’s activity in the world. People’s sins are forgiven, they have overcome evil, God has been revealed to God's people. This is all because the people themselves are strong, discerning, faithful and spirit-filled. If we stick to this knowledge, the struggles and temptations of the world will fall away.
For the original readers, it was tempting to remain dualistic in thought and practice, thus perpetuating a God/world divide. This letter challenges the idea that it is possible to live both in the known world, and to invest fully into the kin-dom of God.
It can be easy to be in a faith community and to be guarded or masked sharing little of one’s heart and character. This letter encourages everyone to listen and share with one another the stuff of faith. Together, there is connection, courage, and the coming kin-dom of God.
To Ponder:
- The opening of this passage speaks to children, parents and elders. Which do you most identify with, and what encouragement does this passage give you?
- What do you love? Does it lead you away from or towards the kin-dom of God?
- What are the important features of spiritual discernment for you?
Prayer
God, we honour the ways in which you have spoken into the lives of the generations, equipping and encouraging them for their time.We give thanks for the ways you have shown love and care towards us and those around us. Help us to invest in the things that matter: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. May we see your kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.