15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

(1 John 2:15–17, ESV)

What do you love? Do you love God, or do you love the pleasures of this world?

I know for me, I’ve struggled with loving worldly things. I’ve been prideful. I’ve fallen into the desires of my flesh. I’ve fallen more times than I would like to admit. But none of those things have ever given me peace—certainly nothing compared to the peace God has given me.

I hate when I sin. I absolutely hate it, because I feel separated from God. If I love the things of the world, the love of God is not in me. What a revelation that is. Who am I—and who are you—to strive to be separated from the love of God?

This is a stern message to both me and you. We need to fix our eyes on what is true, right, and noble, and look to the Father for guidance and restoration. I know I have failed, and I call on Jesus to restore my heart and soul.

Jesus, I repent for the sins I’ve committed by separating myself from You. God, I pray for everyone reading this—if they need to get right with You, that they would do so now. Today is the day.

God, I call on Your restoring power to restore this nation. God, I love You, and I praise You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.