1 John 2:17 – 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 2:17)

We live in this world and may think we see it fading away, too. It’s good to remember that this world is not our destination. That thought can bring you comfort if your heart is breaking along with God’s over some of the horrific things people are dealing with these days. With hope in Christ, the “fading away” part doesn’t have to be as scary.

Context (1 John 2:15-17) These few verses speak of the world and remind us of an important truth. The world is not what we should be trusting. We should expect the world to disappoint us and not put blind faith in it but in God alone. What are some of your “cravings” in this that entice you away from your relationship with God? The world is good at deceiving us, so beware.

Our memory verse comes out of these warnings with a way out. As believers, we have the antidote to the world’s problems and path of destruction. We simply need to please God. Then the question becomes, how do we do that?

I love asking that kind of question to my girls at the orphanage. They never disappoint in their responses. They are very good at reciting the 10 Commandments. I love that they remember those. They always add on some of the life lessons they’ve learned from the faithful housemothers who nurture them. They are realizing at a young age what sins look like in their context, and sins do not please God.

We can learn a lot from those girls, even though we are probably already aware that sinfulness separates us from God. If we do like John suggests, we do our best not to sin to please God. And for our devotion, we will live forever. What eternal life looks like is an unknown to us, but we know it’s going to be good to be in the presence of God with no more pain and sorrow.

If you need a little jolt of joy and comfort, this is a verse to have handy. Don’t let yourself believe you are not worthy to be included in the forever with God. Remember that Jesus already paid the price for us. It’s just a matter of time before we’re all together, rejoicing with the Father.

Let’s pray. Lord, I treasure you and your forgiveness. Despite my desire to always please you, I know I stumble. Help me to be more positive-minded in helping others who are different from me. Shield me from the temptations of the world that scream for my attention. May I seek you and your will for my life every day you give me on this planet. Thank you for reminders every day in your word to keep me on track. In Jesus’ name. Amen.