Most of us enjoy nature and seeing it first hand from the car, or from a boat or while out walking. It can be very uplifting. We are able to see photos or TV programs and we have certainly seen some amazing sights of nature captured on camera. But the challenge from 1 John 2 is not about the nature that we see around us but it is that which the devil wants us to see and become distracted with. We recognize these things easily because they are not Godly or uplifting.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9, ESV.
Paul’s words are timely for us all to focus upon. We are also challenged by John to follow the will of God in our lives. We are filled with hope because we know that following these good things from God are in His will. Put your faith in Jesus today and ask Him for forgiveness. The following translation from The Message explains how we are to live.
“Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” 1 John 2:15-17, The Message.