19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

— Matthew 6:19-21

15 Do not love the world or anything 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 from the world.

— 1 John 2:15-16

1 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

— Colossians 3:1-2

24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

25 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?

— Luke 9:24-25

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

John warns all who give themselves over to power, achievement, acquisition, or any loyalty other than God. God does not condemn people for simply being involved in politics or commerce. Whether rich or poor, all people are susceptible to the allures and idolatry of sex, greed, wealth, and power. Without God, people easily seek and hold in esteem what culture values. Illicit sex promise pleasure that quickly fades. People wrongly seek comfort, status, and security in possessions —houses, cars, jewelry, investments, and other belongings —rather than in the God who provides them. All these things will eventually rust, spoil, fade, or be left behind after death.

John’s vision warns us Christians about the world’s agenda to capture the hearts, minds, and very lives of the people on earth. Satan stunningly appeals to the sinful cravings of fallen humanity. Scripture warns us not to love the world or pursue the world’s enticement, which are fleeting and deceptive. This world’s glitter pales in comparison to eternity’s glory. People’s pursuit of worldly gain ultimately leads to grave disappointment and loss. Those who live for anything other than God will lose everything except His judgment. Those who seek only this world’s delights will share its destiny of judgment and destruction.