Love For The World Vs Abundant Living

[BrideOfChrist]

I John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

I memorized this verse as a child, and felt I understood it. Sounds like a simple enough admonition and as Christians, we know our citizenship lies elsewhere, so we need to keep our "coziness" for this world in check. Here's my dilemma. I have several collections (postcards etc) that I love to spend time looking at and spend money on. Is this wrong? How does a Christian make a distinction between loving the world/things that are in the world and living life abundantly, as Jesus stated was why He came?

[iLoveJesusChristAmen]

for all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes,and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 john 2:16

[LaMontre]

I John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

I memorized this verse as a child, and felt I understood it. Sounds like a simple enough admonition and as Christians, we know our citizenship lies elsewhere, so we need to keep our "coziness" for this world in check. Here's my dilemma. I have several collections (postcards etc) that I love to spend time looking at and spend money on. Is this wrong? How does a Christian make a distinction between loving the world/things that are in the world and living life abundantly, as Jesus stated was why He came?

What priority does it take in your life? Thats the issue. We still live in the world, we're just not of it.

[Betty]

Do you spend your tithes on your collection? Do you miss Church to stay home and admire your collection? When you hear the trumpet for the rapture, will you miss it taking time to gather your collection to take with you? My point is not to be silly, but to say we can enjoy things as long as they don't replace God in our lives. I collect dolls, but I don't worship dolls. As a mom and a grandmother I can tell you it is easier to buy for family members who collect because you know what they like.:hug The devil likes to make us feel guilty over things that don't bother God at all. So enjoy your collection. One day your kids and grand kids will enjoy having a part of you to enjoy also.
betty

[theroc]

Ive been reflecting on this as of late to.
I figure as long as your going to church once a week, help in some type of ministry often, read the bible/devotion mybe 20 min a day and witness when you can, then your all good to do hobbies and watch tv and all that jazz? As long as it honors God. Any one else agree?

[BrideOfChrist]

Do you spend your tithes on your collection? Do you miss Church to stay home and admire your collection? When you hear the trumpet for the rapture, will you miss it taking time to gather your collection to take with you? My point is not to be silly, but to say we can enjoy things as long as they don't replace God in our lives. I collect dolls, but I don't worship dolls. As a mom and a grandmother I can tell you it is easier to buy for family members who collect because you know what they like.:hug The devil likes to make us feel guilty over things that don't bother God at all. So enjoy your collection. One day your kids and grand kids will enjoy having a part of you to enjoy also.
betty:hug I liked your third question...:lol2 Nope, I won't be doing that! So you collect dolls? Well, postcards, even vintage ones, are much, much cheaper than dolls....

Your points are well taken. Thank You.

[Betty]

I found some cheap dolls at men's tool shows in the past. Back before we moved when huby had a shop, I went with him to the shows to check out the dolls. I got several nice ones for under 10.00.
I gave a bunch of my dolls to my grand daughter when I moved to Washington. I haven't bought any since we moved cause we moved from a 4 bedroom house to a tiny 2 bedroom apartment. I also have some angels that are gifts in my Curio cabinet.
betty

[goinghome]

I've wondered about this too, as I have a passion not so much for collections but for household goods like dishes, bedding, cooking and it's gadgets, etc. I love a comfortable home where all can feel welcome, cared for, and have pleasant surroundings. After praying about this, I realized that these are all things that are synchronous with my spiritual gifts and are used to comfort others in my family, friends etc. So I think, first pray about it, ask God if there's any way He'd like you to use it to His glory, and if the Holy Spirit does not convict you of wrongdoing, then enjoy enjoy enjoy.