Hey Clawson Family!

Song:

Scripture:

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

(‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭15-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Devotional:

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the world but not be consumed by it. This can feel like walking a tightrope, where our goal is to extend God’s love to a world in need while guarding our hearts from being shaped by its values. How do we navigate this tension faithfully?

1. Understanding Love for the World

The Bible doesn’t call us to despise the world. God Himself loves the world so much that He sent His Son (John 3:16). However, the “world” in 1 John 2:15 refers to a system of values opposed to God—pride, greed, selfishness, and rebellion. Our challenge is to engage with the people and cultures around us while staying anchored in God’s truth.

2. Being Rooted in God’s Word

Psalm 119:11 reminds us to hide God’s Word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him. When we are deeply rooted in Scripture, it becomes a filter through which we view the world. The more we know God’s character and will, the easier it becomes to discern what is good and pure.

3. Living as Ambassadors of Christ

Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador lives in a foreign land but represents the interests of their home country. Similarly, we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), called to live in a way that reflects God’s kingdom. This means loving others sacrificially, showing grace, and sharing the hope of the gospel.

4. Guarding Our Hearts

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The world will try to shape our desires, redefine truth, and influence our priorities. Guarding our hearts requires vigilance—monitoring what we consume, the company we keep, and the habits we cultivate.

Let’s love the world in a way that reflects God’s love, not the world’s values.

Jesus calls us to love and be a light to the world without being consumed by it. It’s easy to develop a “me vs. them” mentality, but our mission is to show God’s goodness through our actions. Shine brightly by living differently—show grace, offer kindness, and remain rooted in Christ. 

Journal:

In your journal answer the following questions:

• Are there areas in your life where the world’s influence is overshadowing your love for God?

• How can you demonstrate Christ’s love to those around you without compromising your faith?

• What steps can you take this week to guard your heart and mind?

Training:

Practical Steps:

1. Pray Daily: Ask God to help you love others without compromising your faith.

2. Stay Accountable: Surround yourself with a community that encourages you to grow spiritually.

3. Engage Wisely: Be discerning about the media you consume and the messages you internalize.

4. Lead with Love: Remember that showing God’s love doesn’t mean conforming to worldly values. Reflect on one relationship you have with someone outside of God’s family. How can you intentionally be a light in their life this week?

Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your light in a dark world. Help us to love others as You love them, without being influenced by the values that oppose You. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith, guided by Your Word, and empowered by Your Spirit. May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.