Why should we not get taken up with the world and the things in it?
Scripture says not to love the world or its things, because if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The whole world system and its desires are passing away, but the one who does God's will abides forever. Therefore, do not gamble eternity for a short time in the fast lane.
Les teaches from 1 John 2:15-17 that loving the world and the things in it means the love of the Father is not in him; our priorities are upside down. Verse 16 identifies the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life as not of the Father but of the world. Les explains why we should not get taken up in it: this whole world system is going to pass away, and when it leaves, the desires for it will pass as well. But he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Les repeatedly warns young people not to gamble their eternity for 15 or 20 years of the fast lane, because it is not worth it.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.