What do You Live For?
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you. For when you love this world you do not have the love of the father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but from this world. And this world is fading away along with everything that people crave, but anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” – 1John 2:15-17
Many temptations come to us through the pursuit of physical pleasure, the desire to have what you do not, and the pride that comes from achievement and ownership. It is easy enough to take these too far, granting physical pleasure to myself beyond what should be, spending money on things I don’t need, perhaps bragging about an achievement others did not accomplish. I think we all get into this at least some.
One big difference between the world’s way and God’s way is that God’s way lasts. All those pleasures and treasures of this world are only temporary. Soon you will want more pleasure. That phone you got will be replaced by the newest and greatest next one. That achievement you were so proud of will soon be forgotten. Earthly things go away. People go away or die. Life here is full of the temporary. God offers us something that lasts.
Life everlasting, think about it. God will never go away. Our relationship with him will not end in a break up, an angry fit on his part, or his death. No God remains and he offers you and me the gift of a better life beyond this one. God offers eternal life with our loving Heavenly Father, our loving and brave savior, and the Holy Spirit. No worries about being rejected.
So what will it be? Will you prioritize your life according to an eternal plan or a temporary one? Will you let pleasure and pride rule or will you walk humbly with your God, accepting his blessings, following his ways?
These morning meditations written by Christian believer and author, Patricia Hawkins, offer them for your personal edification. You may contact Patricia at prayerpartnerpat@gmail.com.