Love's Direction
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.” John 3:16-17
Love is such a great and powerful force in our lives. The greatest love this world has ever known is that which our Heavenly Father has shown to us. That He sent His Son to redeem the lost and that through the system of faith we should not perish but have eternal life. God had clear intentions when He extended that love toward us. We, too, can learn that our love must be intentional because love without direction can be dangerous.
Love of the World
Be not mistaken, this is not the love of our neighbors/enemies (Matt 5:43-48) that we are talking about. This is the love of the world that is warned against in John 12:42-44 where many of the rulers believed Jesus but would not confess Him because the cost would be too great. Love of the world will make us afraid, ineffective, and ultimately lost. This is the seed that is sown among the thorns that become choked with the cares of the world (cf. Matt 13:22). This is similar to our next misdirected love.
The Love of Money
The love of money can be a great source of derailment in our faith. A love of money takes us off the place where our true treasures are, heaven (cf. Matt 16:19-21). The love of money has been a source of destruction for a number of brethren throughout the ages. Judas Iscariot betrayed our Lord for 30 pieces of silver. Joseph's brethren sold him to Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver. Ananias and Sapphira lied unto the Holy Spirit because of the love of money.
The love of Pleasure
There are many reasons that men cite for avoiding assembling with the saints (cf. Heb 10:24-25). It might be a sports game, a day out on the lake, or even work (some people get great pleasure from their wages). Unless you are physically unable to attend, you have no valid excuse. This applies when you are on vacation. When planning a trip you should make a plan on where you will worship. If you worry about finding a sound congregation where you are traveling, do your research, ask me and I can help. What it comes down to is this: do you love the Lord? Then you must keep His commands (cf. John 14:15). When our love is properly directed, we rejoice in assembling together, putting the Lord first every first day of the week
The Love of Preeminence
John wrote, “I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not” 3 John 9. A misdirected love will seek to glorify oneself. However, if we want to be faithful, our love must seek to give all glory to God (cf. 1 Cor 3:6). Some men will desire to have a focus on themselves and thus will not heed the direction of love our God has given unto us. A love that makes us let go of self and give glory to God.
It is my hope that today you will consider the direction of your love and ensure it is toward God and your neighbor.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
