{1 John 2:15-17} Stop & Reflect
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the 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 are 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.” 1 John 2:15-17 (NLT)
Too many of us are drawn to the things of this world. We spend too much time pursuing things that will fade. John’s words in this passage should hit home for you. It’s a reminder that we need to stop focusing on ourselves and our own and ambitions. Instead we nee to strive for what’s on God’s heart. The quickest way for us to do that is to selflessly serve others.
I want to challenge you today to live for God and not the things of this world. Find one person that you can go out of your way to serve. Maybe it’s your spouse, neighbor, co-worker, or even a stranger. Do something that will impact them and show them God’s love.
This is a great reminder.
We all go through those times when things don’t seem to be going the way we want, we are given struggles to go through, we wonder why others who have no faith are giving prosperity. I could quote many Scriptures about that single sentence alone, but these are the thoughts we all come back to, that nothing in this world is worth anything, that the greatest pearl we can ever be given as the greatest gift, is the love of God, with our eyes so firmly upon His promises. In the darkest times I always like to think of Solomon, when he finally realizes that all the works of the hands, no matter how spectacular, are all worth nought a the end of our days on this earth.
This is a good word. I am struck by the reality that most of us are so dialed into the needs and voices of the world, and don’t have much space to even listen to God and allow him to shape our decisions. For us to live for God, we must actually create space in our lives to speak to us and lead us.
Needed that reminder. Thanks!
Yes!!!
Great reminder, something I am trying to teach my kids too.