From the gospel, Jesus gave insight to the believers about them being in the world but not of the world. The word ‘of’ has to do with identification.

It is apparent that we are in this world but are not being identified with the world. Another tag has been given to us. That is the identification with the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 2:9 creates an understanding of how we are no longer under the influence of the kingdom of darkness but have been identified in the kingdom of the dear son of God, Jesus Christ.

But a believer can claim identification as God’s and would still have his attention overly fixed on the things of the world. This can happen when he has not truly developed affection for God and his kingdom.

He ends up placing undue importance on Earthly qualities and possessions.

However, there is no point in setting affections on the world for God has made it known that the love of the Father and the love of the world are highly conflicting.

One can’t say that he has the love of God in him but still allow mundane attachments.

“For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance—none of these things come from the Father but the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever.” 1 John 2:15

The aforementioned passage gives us an understanding that obsessively chasing after Earthly possession is vain.

When you are in love with a certain thing, you become obsessed with it. Loving a certain thing opens you to a deeper relationship with it.

It is the love of the father that sets our hearts on the things that matter to him. If a man is in love with the world, he would certainly do everything to satisfy the cravings that the world has infused into him.

Believers must be careful with what they yearn for.

Love is an operating system in the kingdom that opens you to total obedience to God.

Jesus also gave an understanding of a profound truth that if you love him you will surely obey his commandments.

He also preached that one cannot serve two masters, it is either one loves Mammon or God.

It is folly for one to serve God and serve Mammon together. A deliberate choice must be made on whom to serve.

Joshua was intentional when he chose to serve the Lord, with his family. Love consists of your will and choice.

If anyone loves God and his righteousness, he would surely crave for his kingdom and fulfill all that is required.

Likewise, if any is overly desirous of the world, he would surely do profane things to satisfy his passion. Such a person is bound by carnality and is not identified as Christ’s.

Eventually, he becomes a puppet controlled by the devil. Such a person can never be a tool in God’s hand to make His will done.


It is disheartening that the system of the world has become idolized by some believers. They do this by engaging themselves in activities that are identified with the patterns of the world.

They still Iive a double life. It is not normal. What these set of people do is recorded in Titus 1:16 –

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.”

But one who understands the value of the kingdom of God would set his affection on it. He is further eligible for good things.

Such a person would enjoy a victorious life over sin, the earth, and its entirety, for he has undividedly channeled his loyalty to God.

God does not want to spit any out for their lukewarmness. He wants all to be saved.

For His word in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 are not sheer;

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

It pleases God that we show him an unwavering faithfulness.

Faithfulness is not proved when we portray godly qualities today, and intentionally display attitudes that are identified with Satan, the next day.

It is God and Him alone.

God Bless you!

Greenhills Emmanuel Amarayahweh