Will You Choose the
Fleeting or Eternal?
Good Morning Friends,
Yesterday we were discussing at the New Canaan Society whether we were optimistic or pessimistic about the world. And it got me to thinking that only what is done for Christ will last. It got me to thinking that more people need to embrace His kingdom by discipling others. It got me to thinking that we need to be less concerned about what people will think of you and me today and more about what God will think of us when He returns. Friends, the future of the world is bleak for people who do not realize that sin brings death. The world will try and persuade us not to get involved. But we need to believe we can make a difference. That is our purpose. So what will it be, you get to choose… Will You Choose the
Fleeting or Eternal?
Scripture: 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17And the world and its desire* are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (NRSV)
2Do not be conformed to this world,* but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.*
Romans 12:2 (NRSV)
16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:16 (NRSV)
24No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.*
Matthew 6:24 (NRSV)
Message: In today’s scripture and devotional we are honored to be called into the throne room of the King to consider the massive ideas of life, love, truth, righteousness, light, forgiveness, obedience and belief. We are pointed to a reality that is no trivial matter. We are invited to live in the eternal life, to be in the spiritual life of Christ, to enter the kingdom of heaven now. This experience is the best and is qualitative not quantitative. We are called to add life to our years’ not just years to our life. The reality of God revealed in Christ, that ultimate truth has been revealed to you and me. We have heard it, we have seen it, and we have felt it. It is not a matter of balance. We get a glimpse of the eternal light shining in and through us each time we love another person with the same love God has shared with us. We are to be in the world but not of it. It is interesting that we should be commanded to do something that has an eternal purpose, a lasting joy when the alternatives are so fleeting. We are not to be conformed but transformed. And yet the dark desires of perpetually pleasing people, of pride, power, possessions, of personal privilege and carnal pleasure are so seductive. The problem is that this love of the world pushes away the love of God in our hearts. Friends, you cannot love the world and God too. Sure God loves the world. It says so in John 3:16. But do not be deceived. The reason you cannot serve both is found in the meaning of the word “world,” it means multiple things, so you need to know that there is the created world, the world of the lost people and the world that is under the control of Christ’s enemies. God in love sent Jesus to save the world of the lost, just as He sends us. Make the distinction. Know that most things that go on in this world have nothing to do with God… They separate us from Him and isolate us. I think that people are eventually going to figure this out… that all our wanting and accumulating is on the way out. I think that people are going to figure out that we are not fools if we give up that which we cannot keep, to gain what we cannot loose. Friends, do not love the world’s way. Seek God’s will and love one another as He has loved us. Live in the eternity of God’s light.
Pray we realize that sin separates us from God. Pray we realize we cannot serve two masters. Pray we realize that when it comes to God’s love there is no middle ground. Pray we are not carnal with cravings that have become excessive and sinful. Pray we are not covetous of everything we see. Pray we are not cocky and filled with the pride of life. Pray we realize that the desires of the world pass away. Pray we focus on living in eternity now. Pray we are thankful to God in all things. Pray we take an active role in being effective intercessors so others might know the love of God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 