What does it mean that we are not to love the world?
The Bible teaches that followers of Christ are not to love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15). This can be a difficult concept to understand, especially since God created the world and called it good (Genesis 1:31). However, the “world” being referred to has a particular meaning in Scripture.
The “World” in Scripture
When the Bible speaks of the “world” in this negative sense, it is not referring to the physical earth or even the people who inhabit it. Rather, it is referring to the sinful value systems and mindsets that have permeated human society ever since the fall (1 John 2:16). This present world system is opposed to God and His ways. The world represents the corrupted, fallen realm of human existence that caters to sinful desires and impulses (Ephesians 2:1-3).
This present world system is temporary and will pass away (1 Corinthians 7:31). It is under the influence and control of Satan, who the Bible calls “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The world is full of temptation, immorality, greed, and corruption—all the manifestations of humanity’s fallenness. When the Bible instructs us not to love the world, it means we should not love or embrace the philosophies, priorities, and sinful pleasures promoted by this fallen world system.
What It Means to Not Love the World
When Scripture tells us not to love the world, that does not mean we should reject or despise the physical world or other people. After all, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Rather, it means that our allegiance, affections, and priorities must be centered firmly on the eternal kingdom of God, not the temporary kingdoms of this world.
There are several important implications to not loving the world:
1. Not being conformed to the world (Romans 12:2). We must not allow the sinful value systems of the world to shape our thinking or behavior.
2. Not pleasing the world (Galatians 1:10). We live to please God rather than seeking the approval and praise of sinful society.
3. Not being polluted by the world (James 1:27). We guard our hearts and minds against the immorality and false philosophies promoted by the world.
4. Not being partners with the world (James 4:4). We cannot embrace sinful pursuits or join forces with the corrupt agendas of this world and still be friends with God.
5. Not investing in the world (Matthew 6:19-21). We steward our time, abilities, and resources for eternal rewards rather than to stockpile earthly wealth and possessions.
6. Being aliens and strangers (1 Peter 2:11). As citizens of God’s kingdom, we recognize that this world is not our true home. We are only passing through as pilgrims and exiles.
7. Loving others, not the world system (1 John 2:15). We demonstrate Christlike love and compassion to all people, though we reject the sinful philosophies by which many live.
As believers, we are to keep ourselves “unstained from the world” (James 1:27). This means vigilantly guarding our hearts and minds against sin and wisely navigating the temptations and false ideologies ever-present in the world around us. Yes, we live in this world physically, but our identity, allegiances, values, and focus must align with the kingdom of God.
Living Unstained from the World
Living an unstained life in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation is challenging (Philippians 2:15). But Scripture gives many practical principles for navigating the tug-of-war between the world and the kingdom of God:
– Renew our minds daily in God’s truth (Romans 12:2). The Word of God exposes the deceitful lies of the world. Staying grounded in Scripture protects us from worldly thinking.
– Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Yielding to the Holy Spirit empowers us to reject sinful desires stirred up by the world.
– Guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). What we allow into our minds through media influences our loves and priorities. Be careful about what we watch, listen to, and focus on.
– Control our gaze (Job 31:1). Don’t fixate on or entertain impure thoughts. Bounce your eyes away from temptation.
– Avoid compromise (1 Corinthians 15:33). Don’t flirt with sin or get too close to the line. Bad company corrupts good morals.
– Immerse ourselves in Christian community (Hebrews 10:24-25). Fellow believers encourage us in godliness and keep us accountable.
– Abide in Christ (John 15:1-8). Staying grafted into Jesus like a branch connected to the vine floods our soul with kingdom life.
– Set our minds on eternity (Colossians 3:2). Keeping heaven in view helps us see past the false promises of the temporal world system.
Though rejecting the world’s values may make us cultural misfits, conforming to Christ is the path to blessing and fullness of life (Romans 12:1-2). By keeping our focus fixed on God’s eternal kingdom, we shine as lights holding out the word of life to others (Philippians 2:15).
Our Mission in the World
Refusing to love the world does not mean we reject the people enslaved to its systems. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are to engage people where they are with compassion. Jesus set the example during His earthly ministry by spending time with unbelievers without endorsing their sin (Mark 2:15-17). He calls us to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-18).
Here are some principles for how to interact with the lost world around us:
– Build relationships. Invest in people’s lives. Meet felt needs. Earn trust through genuine love.
– Identify with others. Find common ground. Be quick to listen, slow to speak. Respectfully understand their perspectives.
– Speak grace and truth. Lovingly communicate God’s truths but also offer hope, mercy and redemption through Christ.
– Let our light shine. Live noticeably different, excellent lives that point people to God (Matthew 5:16).
– Wage spiritual warfare through prayer. The real enemy is Satan and the spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
– Know when to walk away. If people persist in rejecting truth, don’t force it. Shake the dust off your feet (Mark 6:11).
– Wait for divine appointments. Ask God to open doors for strategic spiritual conversations. Be sensitive to His leading.
Though we cannot conform to the passing world system, we must also actively engage it with gospel hope. Our calling is to shine as lights by modeling the superior kingdom ethic of God’s love and holiness. We overcome the darkness by fixing our sight on Jesus, who is the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Dangers of Loving the World
The Bible contains many warnings about the dangers of loving the world because it constitutes loving the enemy of our souls. When our primary affections are tied to this fallen realm, it leads to all kinds of spiritual dangers:
1. Friendship with the world is hostility toward God (James 4:4). We cannot walk closely with God and hold hands with the world at the same time.
2. Those who love the world do not have God’s love in them (1 John 2:15). A heart over-attached to the world squeezes out supreme love for God.
3. The cares of the world choke God’s Word in our lives (Mark 4:18-19). The clutter of worldly concerns crowds out spiritual depth and stifles kingdom fruitfulness.
4. Demas deserted Paul because he loved the world (2 Timothy 4:10). Misplaced affections shipwreck many believers and leaders.
5. The world allures through fleshly lusts (1 John 2:16). Immorality always follows in the wake of worldliness. Sin pulls us farther than we wanted to stray.
6. Friendship with the world makes us enemies of God (James 4:4). Those who walk in darkness eventually reject the light.
7. The world’s wisdom is foolishness to God (1 Cor. 3:19). Man’s philosophies seem right but end in futility, emptiness and separation from God.
8. Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4). We cannot have split allegiances between two opposing kingdoms.
Loving the world will always lead us into idolatry, bondage and spiritual ruin. That intense love should be reserved exclusively for God and His eternal kingdom. When our affections groan for the Savior’s return, it is evidence our true citizenship resides in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
How to Cultivate Love for God and His Kingdom
If we are to follow the Bible’s command not to love the world, we must cultivate a deeper love for God in its place. We make room for greater love of God by rooting out worldly affections. Here are biblical strategies for fostering love for Christ and His eternal kingdom:
– Dwell on God’s amazing love demonstrated at the cross (1 John 4:9-10). Comprehending His extravagant love melts our hearts in worship.
– Reflect often on the surpassing glory of heaven (Revelation 21:4). Our current afflictions are not worth comparing to the glory to come (Romans 8:18).
– Take in the magnificent beauty of God’s creation. His wisdom, power and care for details reflect His glory.
– Read and memorize Scripture. God’s Word transforms our thinking and renews our minds (Psalm 119:9-11).
– Make God the ultimate priority (Matthew 6:33). When He occupies first place in our hearts, it purifies worldly desires.
– Invest in eternal rewards rather than stockpiling earthly wealth (Matthew 6:19-21). Generosity flows freely from those not in love with this world.
– Meditate on the brevity of life (Psalm 90:12). Our days slip by quickly. Living with eternity in view fosters wisdom.
– Sing worship songs. Praise focuses our minds on God’s surpassing greatness rather than the world’s glitter.
– Immerse yourself in Christian community. Fellowship reinforces that we were made for another world.
– Rehearse how God has proven Himself faithful in the past. Recall specific examples of His steadfast love and mercy.
The more we cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, worship and obedience to His Word, the more our love for this temporary, fallen world will diminish. We must see it for what it is—fading away—while keeping our eyes fixed on the unseen eternal realities that will endure forever (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Conclusion
What does the Bible mean when it tells Christians not to love the world? It means we should not adopt the corrupt value systems or priorities promoted by the present fallen world system under the sway of Satan. We must guard our hearts against worldliness, which constitutes spiritual idolatry. Instead, we must set our minds on the heavenly realities of God’s eternal kingdom.
Living unstained by the world is possible through hiding God’s Word in our hearts, walking by the Spirit and rooting ourselves deeply in Christian community. Though we live in the world, we serve as Christ’s ambassadors bringing the light and hope of the gospel. Our mission is to help rescue people from darkness, while taking care not to be polluted by it ourselves.
Above all, we must cultivate intimate love for Jesus Christ through pursuing His presence daily. He alone is worthy of our ultimate allegiance and affection. As we grow in love for God, our ability to discern and resist the counterfeit temptations of the world will increase. Though the world will one day pass away, those anchored in God’s eternal kingdom will endure forever.