Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
Have you ever been obsessed over something or someone? I remember a period of my life when I was obsessed with collecting baseball cards. All I cared about was getting more and better cards. I eventually came to the point where I would do anything to get the cards I wanted—even if it meant stealing. One day, while out shopping with my mother, I went to the baseball card aisle and mischievously stuffed a couple packets of cards in my pockets. Unknowingly, the store managers had caught me on camera, and I was busted as I tried to exit the store. I had never felt so much shame and guilt. Let’s just say—lesson learned!
I not only learned a lesson on stealing, but I also learned a lesson about where an obsession or love of something can lead a person. I discovered my obsession led to possession. I was possessed with the things of this world, which pushed me away from the love of my Father.
When we set our hearts on the worldly things and live to gratify our fleshly nature, we miss out on God’s best for our lives. When we love the things of the world, they occupy our thoughts, schedule, and treasure. The Father longs for us to be obsessed with him because he wants to be our one love.
Choose to be obsessed with the things of God.
Ed Love has been in active ministry for seventeen years. He currently serves as the church multiplication director for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
