What is the context?
After assuring the believers of forgiveness and strength, the letter warns against desires that draw life away from the Father. The desires of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life are set beside the passing character of the world.
The contrast concerns rival loves and a way of life. The letter itself will say that the Father sent His Son to save the world and will command help for people in material need. It is not instructing the readers to stop loving people or treat every created thing as evil.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure, display, and human praise. The USCCB notes understand world here as what is hostile to God, including covetousness and self-important independence. Their point concerns allegiance and desire, rather than an excuse for neglecting neighbors.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.