1John 2:16
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
This verse seems to tell me that God did not create me to be full of pride. The verse warns that those things I seek which are of the world and not Christlike, are things which God did not intend for me to seek out. I don’t want to read too much into one sentence, but this much seems clear. If I am seeking to love my neighbor, to be generous and to be kind, there is no room left for pride.
Holy Lord, help me to love others, to seek opportunities to be generous and kind, and to do so without pride or expectation. Amen
Becky, transforming
1 John 2:16
We have had so many lessons about being in the world or of the world. There are many temptations for us in our culture today and we have so much. We need this constant reminder about who is in charge. I may have done a wonderful job organizing a huge event, but instead of a boasting pride I should be thanking Him for the skills he gave me to accomplish it.
Prayer: Gracious God, Help me not to let pride come before Thankfulness. AMEN
1 John 2:16
Is it the evil one who puts all the earthly temptations before us to throw us off? In current times, especially, we are faced with so much distraction…celebrity worship, trendy material things, ungodly entertainment, ridiculously expensive meals at “must eat at” restaurants that would likely be better prepared at home. It goes on and on. We should, at the beginning of each day, center ourselves and pledge to keep God first in our lives always. No person or thing is above God.
Heavenly Father, helped me to live a life focused on you. Steer me from the material pitfalls of this earthly life. Amen.
Thursday, December 5th, 2024
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
While god created us in his own image, he knew we would be tempted and sin wanting the desires from this world. Because everything the world is about is contrary to who God is. The world is not pleasing to God. While wanting things of this world is not a sin many things are necessary to live our lives, such as homes , cars, food, employment etc. He gave us free will to make these choices, and as believers we know what is…
1John 2:16
Lust of the flesh and of the eyes is easy to attribute to Satan and not to God. Pride of life? This seems to be much more nuanced. I am proud of my children, proud of my happy marriage, proud of my successful career, but I am not so besotted with pride to believe all this happened because of me. Without a life in Christ all of these things would have undoubtedly taken a different course and results would not be pretty. I keep sinful pride in check by giving thanks to God from whom all blessings flow.
Prayer - Merciful God, guard my heart and mind from sinful pride. Let me be ever conscious that You are…