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 lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
We suppose the Lord is preparing us for things here on earth; things like success, breakthroughs, the fulfillment of hope and dreams, financial prosperity, marriage, careers, ministry, etc. But that is not true. God is preparing His children for one thing only -- heaven. If we are prepared for heaven, we will do well with everything that pertains to this world; but we can gain the whole world and lose our own souls! Those who seek to fit into this world make themselves unfit for eternity; and in spiritual terms, eternity is all that matters.
The scriptures call for us to develop a Christ-centered perspective on all things, and to realize all the world has to offer is fading away. Those things are temporal and superficial, but we are spiritual, and the Lord has saved us for His eternal purpose. When we reckon ourselves to be citizens of heaven first, our value system changes dramatically, and our eyes focus on that which matters to God, not men. This new outlook renders us strange and ill-fitted for the world, but precious and useful to Christ, who desires we glorify His Father -- our Father. So, let the world pass away in all its futility, while we turn our hearts to God. May the Eternal King of Glory receive our worship now and forever. Amen.
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