1 John 2:16

PASSAGE: 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.

PAUSE: Last week I was crafting pinewood derby cars with my kids. They each came up with a design, and with various saws and tools, I helped them bring the design to life. As I used the saw to make the cuts, I taught them how powerful these tools are, but how dangerous they can be. If we loose our focus, or use the tool in the wrong way, the results could be very serious! The tool is very helpful when used for the right purpose, but when misguided it can be disastrous. If we step back and look at ourselves in this world, I think we can relate. God made us for Himself. To desire Him, worship Him, and glorify Him. But when those desires get directed toward anything other than God, they become twisted, dangerous, and deadly. It's not our humanness that is bad, but the misdirected desires and actions that result from shifting our focus from God to the world. If the desires of the world are operating the tool, the results are dangerous! But when the tool is focused, guided properly, and working toward what it was designed to do, then the result will be a life that glorifies God.

PRAYER: Precious Father, when You saved me, You gave me a new heart designed to love and worship You. Forgive me when I take my eyes off You and get drawn towards worldly, selfish things. I need You! Amen.