“. . . and the vainglory of life is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John "2":16
John here identifies what stirs pride in us all as the spirit of the world. We know only too well that even in the seclusion of our own homes we are as prone to fall a prey to the pride of life as are those who enjoy great public success. For every glory that is not glory to God is vain glory and it is amazing what paltry successes can produce in us vainglory. Give way to it and we have given way to the world with a consequent leakage in our fellowship with God.<br/><br/>Oh that God would open our eyes to see how subtle the world is! Not only evil things but all those things that draw us ever so gently away from Him are forces in that system that is antagonistic to God. If it is the pride of life and not the praise of God which inspires us then we can know for certain that we have touched the world. Let us therefore watch and pray. Our communion with God is too precious to be put at risk.