“A heart captivated by Christ’s love is healthy and happy.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 21, 2024
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15-16
When we are born, we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions. With this in mind, how can we honor the Lord with our decisions and finish well? Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads. One path is bright and alluring, lined with the glittering promises of success, wealth, and pleasure. It looks fun, and everyone else seems to be embracing this way of life. Though simpler and narrower, a contrasting lifepath leads to a place of deeper peace and joy. These two mindsets represent a decision we face daily: to love God or to love the world.
The disciple who Jesus loved and who loved Jesus tells us in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Godless desires lead to death, but Godly desires live on.
My wife, Rita, and I, as well as our adult daughter Anna, recently took two grandsons to Six Flags for my grandson Wilson’s seventh birthday. It was so fun to watch the boys have fun, but not real life, right? And remind me next time to buy the fast passes! Similarly, picture the world’s path as a shiny carnival. It’s fun and exciting at first but temporary and shallow. The rides and attractions are thrilling, but they leave you dizzy and unfulfilled once the excitement wears off. The world’s pleasures promise satisfaction but deliver fleeting happiness. They distract us with glittering lights and noise, drawing us away from the generous abundance of God’s love, grace, peace, and joy. Gardening, on the other hand, is quiet, moving at nature’s pace. Rain and sunshine are out of our control, but with just the right weather and soil conditions, by God’s grace and with the patient diligence of a gifted gardener—beauty comes alive.
Loving God is like tending a beautiful garden. It requires time, patience, and dedication. At first, it may seem less glamorous compared to the carnival. But as you nurture your spiritual garden, you begin to see the fruits of your labor. Deep roots of faith grow, flowers of joy bloom, and the peace that surpasses understanding fills your heart. Unlike the fleeting pleasures of the carnival, the beauty of this garden is lasting and fulfilling. Jesus calls us to choose the treasures of God’s garden. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So true: your heart follows your treasure.
Where is your heart today? Is it captivated by the temporary glitz of the world’s trinkets, or is it invested in the eternal beauty of God’s garden? The world’s treasures may look appealing, but they are perishable. Divine love, however, is eternal and unfading. Choose the spiritual garden and trust its growth to God. Tend it with love, prayer, and devotion. Let the roots of your faith grow deep. In this place, you’ll find not only the presence of the Lord but also the true and lasting fulfillment that the world can never offer. Embrace the less-traveled way of divine love, for it leads to life abundant and eternal. A heart captivated by Christ’s love is healthy and happy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love You above all else. Guide my heart away from worldly desires and toward Your eternal truth. May my actions reflect Your love and not be swayed by temporal temptations. Strengthen my faith and keep me devoted to You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What unhealthy treasure is my heart chasing after? How would it look if the love of the Lord captured my affections instead?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 6:5; Romans 12:2; James 4:4; 1 John 4:19
Worship Resource
Tauren Wells, Elevation Worship: Joy in the Morning
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