Cravings

 

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

 

Have you ever gotten exactly what you wanted yet still felt empty and unsatisfied? How many times have you seen something someone else you know has and wanted it? 1 John 2:15-17 speaks to this. We’ll call those things “cravings”. Something you want but do not need. 

The apostle John cautions believers to avoid loving the world. The world is a “Me First” place where the flesh becomes your master, caring only about RIGHT NOW. Short lived satisfaction. When you feed your flesh reason goes out the window. Any means to gain some sort of pleasant seems justified to the worldly mind. The Lord knows the outcome of dabbling in such things, hence the warning. 

As followers of Christ we shouldn’t allow what we see to dictate what we feel we need.

Comparison can lead to a downward spiral. Craving what others have can lead you to being dissatisfied with what YOU have. Everything this world has to offer has an expiration date. The things of God are eternal.

            Don’t allow your identity to be built on what impresses others. Humility is important from God’s perspective. Personal achievements can be very rewarding; however, what level of importance you place on them can make all the difference in the world. We need to remember that our calling as followers of Christ has never been to impress others, but rather to follow God. He is to be our focal point. 

            Material possessions are fine for what they are, but again I say it all depends on how much importance you place on owning them. They tend to take up space you really don’t have and before you know it you’re tired of looking at it and stick it in a spare room. Just another dust collector. Use your time and money wisely. You are shortchanging yourself unless you are placing your focus on Godly things that will matter much more than any material thing. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries