Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 (AMPC)
In Scripture, world can mean the physical world of land, atmosphere, sea and the creatures in them including plants, animals, birds and fish-Psalm 24:1
World can also refer to the people in the world. This is what is referred to in John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
In our theme Scripture another world is referred to and is described in the following verse.
1 John 2:16 (AMPC) For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
The world we shouldn’t love isn’t the created physical world and the creation in it, neither is it the people in it because God Himself loves and cares for this world that He gave His Son to redeem it.
It’s the world, the evil system, or the ungodly way of thinking that’s controlling everyone who’s not submitted to God and His Love. It includes:
- The lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification]
Here is included drunkenness, substance abuse and addiction, gluttony, and sexual immorality. - The lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind]
Here is included the lust for power, fame, knowledge, and influence that’s not of God. - The pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]
Here is included trusting and boasting in one’s strength, beauty, natural human wisdom, talents, experience, training, material possessions, money, education, and accomplishments.
This kind of world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.
1 John 2:17 (AMPC)
The way we avoid cherishing the world is by preoccupying ourselves with doing the will of God.