The Trifecta

1 John 2:15-17

John is describing the triune god of happiness in the worldly culture of our day. Most of us would define worldliness and the supposed happiness it brings as something external –the people we associate with, the places we go, or the activities we enjoy. However, according to John, worldliness is something more than that. It begins with a heart attitude and is characterized by these 3 attitudes: (1) the lust of the flesh –gratifying physical desires; (2) the lust of the eyes – craving and accumulating material things; and (3) the pride of life – being obsessed with one’s status or importance. By contrast, God desires self-control, generosity, and humble servitude. 

Questions for further thought:
1. In the contrasting values given above, what values are most important to you?

2. Do you think your actions reflect the world’s values or God’s values? What are some examples?

Challenge: 
Start this week by taking an inventory of your life and where and on what you spend your time and energy. It may be hard, but this will give you a pretty good indication of where your loyalties lie, with the world or with God.