January 3, 2018
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17
This is the time of year that many of us are making New Year’s resolutions. Those resolutions probably vary greatly, from being better with our money to losing weight. But as you make each resolution, I want you to ask yourself, “What is the motivation behind this?” 1 John 2:15-17 makes it very clear that there are really just two motivations: love of this world, and love of our heavenly Father…and we can’t have both.
If you are having trouble discerning where your love lies, then as you look at your resolutions for the coming year, ask yourself how long the effects of this change will last. Don’t concentrate on the coming year, or even the next 20 years. Ask yourself, “What difference does this make in eternity?” Then chose the things of eternity – the things of God – and put all of your energy there. As you do this, I believe you will begin to see how all of your other plans, from your new gym membership to your new commitment to financial responsibility, can all be used for God’s Kingdom and store up treasure for you that will never perish, spoil, or fade.
Father, as we look at our plans for the coming year, give us the wisdom and clarity to pour our hearts into the things of Your Kingdom and, as a result, make changes in us and around us that last for all eternity.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><