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With these words the Apostle John ask us to make an important decision. Where does our interest lie, or what is more, whom do we love, God or the world?

Today it takes a lot of courage to stand firmly on God’ side and to renounce the world, “Don’t be prudish and old-fashioned” some say. Others say “This kind of narrow minded Christianity is outdated.” Are they right? Are these words not meant for the present times? Do they imply hostility towards our bodies and the world?

Let us first understand that is meant here by the word “world.” This word has many meanings. It is usually used in a neutral sense, in terms such as ‘world peace’, ‘world trade’ etc. When it is used in connection with creation, then it means all creatures, human beings, the animal and plant kingdom as well as our whole planet. There is a lot in this world which God or man has created and which quite naturally, and without restricting us in any way, gladdens our hearts.

In today’s reading the word world mean that part of it which is against God. It means men, who rebel against God, it means their godless and sinful lives. Here we are warned about the danger that threatens our spiritual life. It also helps us to truly love our fellowmen. May this reading enable us to make a clear decision. In many cases this might not be so simple. Man no longer considers those things displeasing to God to be wrong or dangerous. This attitude does not work. It is impossible to love God and ‘this’ world. Jesus called the devil the “Prince of this world” (John 14:30). We cannot love God and evil at the same time.

Light has no communion with darkness, and righteousness has no relationship with unrighteousness or truth with untruth. We should not worry about what society considers moral, but should rather flee from the destructive power of godlessness.

The greatest gift God gave us, is the gift of love! Love is life. Through the love of God we have been saved from death. What do I love most? To what use do I put it? On what does my life depend? The answer will tell us where our interests lie. It is sad to see this gift wasted on unimportant things. If man loved God as much as transitory things, then man’s life would be different. John, therefore, rightly says: “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” He says it without moralizing. He states a fact. Therefore, love God for He loves us first.

The Apostle mentions three ways by which the love of the world is kindled in us, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye of the pride of life. As individuals we have been given no guideline to check whether we have become victims of the world. Here we have to use our judgement and love to find our relationship with God. Following rules would be easy. Instead each one has to follow his conscience and choose his own way. He who looks earnestly within himself will clearly see what he truly is, and thereby find his way to eternal life.