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

Have you ever had someone play that old kid prank on you? “Made you look you dirty crook?” Childish is it not? Sure it is but the world does this to us every day. The problem is that it is not a game nor is it childish.

It is on the cover page of every publication on the rack at your store checkout lane. It is on billboards, fliers, circulars and television commercials. Most just want to sell you something. Some want to take advantage of your weakness.

My spam filter fills my e-mail box with unwanted ads and worse. It is amazing how brazen some of the come-on’s are in content. Some do not even hide their intentions.

The internet is more dangerous today than ever. What appears to be a harmless interest can lead to disaster. The true enemy is more cunning than ever. In our opening verse John points out three areas of our lives that need to be guarded with the integrity of a pure heart.

Flesh is flesh and wants because it is flesh. It will desire to be satisfied no matter what you believe. It is the pure heart that knows God’s design, will and deals with natural hungers. It is not a sin to be hungry, it is only a sin to allow the hunger to drive your actions.

The eye takes in everything. Like the “made you look” prank, you are going to see things that are the leading edge of temptation. The pure heart knows when to look away and avoid temptation.

Pride says, I can handle anything, I am in no danger. The pure heart will seek to protect itself and make pride stop at the water’s edge.