Tuesday, 16 June 2026
SET YOUR AFFECTION ON HIM
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
The Spirit, through the Apostle John, gives a clear and uncompromising instruction that must be understood in its full weight and implication: love not the world. This is a direct call to absolute separation in affection and alignment from the things of this world.
The world, in this context, isn’t the physical earth or the people in it but the godless system of the world that’s governed by the senses, driven by lust, sustained by pride, and opposed to God’s divine will and purpose.
It brings to mind the profound admonition of the Spirit in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Your love should be on the Father; your affection should be set on heavenly realities and not on the things of this world.
Read again the latter part of our opening verse; it says, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It shows that the issue isn’t merely the external association or relationship with the world but internal affection. This is why the example of Demas in 2 Timothy 4 is so instructive.
In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Demas was listed among Paul’s fellow labourers and companions in ministry, a witness of divine power. Yet, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul declares, “...Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world...” Demas’ detour from the work of the ministry was a result of his affection; he had loved this present world.
Worldliness, therefore, is not first a matter of conduct but of inclination. It draws, it appeals, and presents alternatives, and over time, it produces separation from one’s calling and divine purpose. But as a Christian, you’re crucified to the world, and the world is crucified to you: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).
Therefore, don’t think like the world or live by its standards. Love the Lord wholly and truly, and live in the consciousness of your oneness with Him and separation unto Him. Let His Word guide your life. Let your love for Him compel and constrain you at all times (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that aligns my heart with your will. My affections are set on you, and I walk in the consciousness of my dominion over the systems of this world. I live unto you, to fulfil your call and destiny for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
James 4:4; Romans 8:5-9 NIV; Matthew 6:21; 1 John 2:15-17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2