“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”
It is easy to read this passage as merely a warning against sin. Make no mistake, John’s letters – from his gospel to Revelation – are strewn with vehement calls away from sin and toward freedom in Christ, and these verses indeed proclaim a grim fate for the sinful world. But you would do yourself a great disservice to read them as: “Don’t lust or be prideful about your stuff.”
Coexistent with a warning, this section of scripture contains a message of supreme hope! Not only are we reminded that the sinful desires of the world are passing away, but we who are covered by the sacrificial gift of Christ will endure forever.
This is a call to look ahead, past the present struggle against sin to our eternal destiny.
As you consider the holiness of God today, keep also in mind His awesome compassion toward you. The Creator who gave everything to save you is the same One who will keep you as the very earth wanes to nothing. Hold tight to Him and to His promises, and cast your gaze to the future beyond sin and strife, where you will endure with Him forever.
Wonderful, eternal perspective, Joe!