"For the world only offers a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and a pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but from the world." (1 John 2:16 NLT)
Our affection for the world only offers fleeting pleasure – it’s satisfaction cannot last.
"And this world is fading way, along with everything that the people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." (1 John 2:17 NLT)
Love of the world is limited in it’s gratification. Try as it might to meet our wants with its wares, this world will never be enough because it’s wasting away. And we, as consumers, are endlessly driven by appetite.
Today’s scriptures remind me of the Snicker’s commercials from the 80’s. Their tagline has stuck with me over all these years: “Snickers really satisfies.” Mars Incorporated spent millions of dollars in an attempt to convince Americans that Snickers was an appropriate afternoon snack. Chocolate, caramel and peanuts could only push back the hunger for a few hours. The candy provided the illusion of fullness. But before the afternoon was over, the sugar burned off and and you were hungry again.
The world tempts our soul in the same sort of way. It offers us a quick ‘fix’ through fleeting pleasure, possession or pride. But the thrill of acquisition wears off swiftly and then we’re on the hunt for the next bump. Only right relationship with God will really satisfy our souls. Anything less will find us famished again in a few hours.
"Jesus replied, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again." (John 6:35 NLT)
Lord, forgive us for taking our appetites to the world. We are admittedly tempted by pleasure, possessions and pride. How quickly we forget that nothing this world offers actually satisfies. We are chasing our tails when we believe the world might meet our need. Today we identify and appreciate Your invitation to a new level of living. We understand that You alone can satiate our soul’s hunger. Please remind us when the next wave of temptation rolls in. Keep our cravings fixated on You. Amen.