Do Not Love the World
by Gemma Gardner
When I was writing my last article for Seeds of the Kingdom, my old computer was behaving very strangely. I was relieved when I eventually completed it and was able to send it on to Ellel. I asked my husband, Dean, if he would look at the computer before I used it again, as I feared there was something seriously wrong.
We had a fortnight’s holiday before Dean was able to check out my computer, and then my worst fears were confirmed. Despite all his experience with computers, Dean could not fix mine, so he took it down to the local technology shop. When he went back there a week later, he was told the computer was probably at the end of its life. He was able to purchase another refurbished computer for me. He has spent a lot of time on it, getting it fixed up and suitable for me to work on, as I am doing now.
We seem to need so much technology these days, such as computers and mobile phones, and they are always needing to be updated and protected with anti-virus software to keep them working. Then the time finally comes when they are old, and they break down. We cannot keep anything we have in this life for ever. Everything wears out.
The above verse warns us not to become too attached to things. In his first letter, John writes, ‘Do not love this world, nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father within you’ (1 John 2:15). It’s easy to get absorbed with things, and especially at this time of year, as we prepare for Christmas. My ‘new’ computer is certainly better than the old one I had, and I want to use it to honour and glorify my Heavenly Father.
Prayer: My Father, I come to You now and confess that there are times when I get absorbed with things, especially technology such as my phone, and it can get in the way of spending time in Your Presence. Please help me to be disciplined in my use of technology, or anything that can take too much of my focus from You. I want You to be in the centre of my life and in everything I do. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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