God vs. World
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 ESV)
John reminds us that we cannot choose both God and the world to be the recipients of our love. Love demands time, attention, energy, will, care, preparation, consideration, and commitment. Can we then simultaneously offer ourselves to both God and the world? Jesus says we cannot. (Matthew 6:24) When choosing the master we will love and seek to please, we must remember that God and the world are at opposite ends of the spectrum. (James 4:4) Where the world encourages unbridled fulfillment of one’s desires, God commands that we develop self control. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Where the world uses covetousness as fuel in a culture of consumerism, God teaches us to be content with what we have. (Hebrews 13:5) Where the world bases confidence on security in the things of this life, God reveals that true confidence only comes from listening to His teachings and practicing righteousness. (1 John 2:28-29) Whom are you serving?
Transient vs. Eternal
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)
Just as John says that “the world is passing away,” but the person who “does the will of God abides forever,” Paul reminds us that we must choose to focus on either the transient (temporary) or the eternal. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul goes on to state that those who seek the eternal choose to set their minds on such and such a focus is shows in their behavior. (Colossians 3:1-4) People with such a mindset will choose to “put to death... what is earthly” and “put on... compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” But what about things that are not of themselves wrong? Might there be good things in this life that distract us from the eternal? Peter reminds us that “the word of the Lord remains forever,” (1 Peter 1:25) but Jesus says that “cares and riches and pleasures of life” can choke the word out of us. (Luke 8:14) Do our hobbies and interests keep us from studying the Bible, praying, or building relationships with brethren? Are we willing to do as the Hebrews writer says and “lay aside every weight” that keeps us from running “with endurance the race that is set before us,” even if such a weight is not inherently wrong? (Hebrews 12:1) What will you choose?
Self vs. Others
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
If we choose God and the eternal, there is another choice we must make: others over ourselves. In order to make this choice, Paul reminds us that we must first have the proper attitude. Choosing to be conceited rather than humble will keep me from seeing others as more significant than myself and looking to their interests. Again, satisfying my own desires is not inherently wrong, but do I consistently focus on what I want or what is best for others? Do I seek to meet the needs and interests of others? If it is not our practice to do for others, can we honestly believe that we will choose them over ourselves when a choice must be made?
What is it that you want the most, and what are you willing to give up to get it?