Thursday February 02nd, 2023
Meditate on: Matthew 16:24 CEV
” Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. ”
Read: 1 John 2:15-17 NKJV
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Understand
« If anyone loves the things of the world, the love of the Father is not in them. »
To love the world is to be materialistic; to chase material things so much that you leave God behind.
God wants us to be prosperous, but not materialistic.
In fact, the reason God has not prospered many people is because He knows that when He prospers them, they will forget Him.
There are many things we chase that we don’t need; we just want them by all means, and God may not be ready to give them to us yet.
Due to this insatiable hunger, the devil begins to suggest means by which you can get what you want, how can you cut corners so you can enjoy the pleasures that you so much desire.
The devil is watching you; when he notices that you love jewelry so much, he will always bring the most alluring pieces your way and then suggest how you can cut corners to get them.
It is not enough to always cast the Devil out when he brings such suggestions, if you don’t work on your mind to stop loving things of the world, he will soon be back, sooner or later, he will succeed.
Many young ladies have jeopardized their destinies simply because they wanted to marry rich men, only to find out that the wealth was just a disguise for the demon in the man.
One thing about materialistic people is that they are never satisfied; they are in a rat race to satisfy their selfish desires. This is no surprise because Ecclesiastes 5:10 ISV says:
« Whoever loves money will never have enough money. Whoever loves luxury will not be content with abundance. This also is pointless. »
Why should material things prevent you from getting to heaven?
Jesus said you should seek first His kingdom and righteousness, then He will add all these things to you (Matthew 6:33).
Anything that you desire more than God, that you can offend God just to acquire, is dangerous and can destroy you. Beware.
Prayer point: Father, help me to love You more than anything else in this world.
Author: Pst E. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
Freely you received, freely you must give (Math 10:8) , kindly share this devotion, and the Lord will bless you for it ♥
