break the world record
"Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords." —1 John 2:15
"If anyone loves the world, the Father's love has no place in him" (1 Jn 2:15). If we are set on the things of the world, we are enemies of the cross (Phil 3:18-19). "A man is marked out as God's enemy if he chooses to be the world's friend" (Jas 4:4). Therefore, it is a matter of everlasting life or death that we both have no love for the world and be crucified to the world and the world to us (Gal 6:14).
What does the Lord mean by the "world"? "Carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show — all these are from the world" (1 Jn 2:16). Another translation is: "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — all these are from the world" (our transl).
"Who, then, is conqueror of the world?" (1 Jn 5:5)
- "The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:5),
- The one who receives the Holy Spirit, Who proves the world wrong about sin, justice, and condemnation (Jn 16:8), and
- The one who is at the foot of the cross where the Spirit crucifies us to the world (see Gal 6:14).
"The world with its seductions is passing away but the man who does God's will endures forever" (1 Jn 2:17).
Prayer: Father, make me a light to the world of darkness (Mt 5:14).
Promise: "She was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer. Coming on the scene at this moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the Child to all." —Lk 2:37-38
Praise: At a Christmas gathering, Peggy talked to a woman who needed knee surgery. Peggy prayed with the woman, and Jesus completely healed her knee.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, June 11, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 20, 1998