And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. — 1 John 2:17
“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
Imagine you’re chasing after something you really want—a new gadget, recognition at work, maybe even a relationship you’ve been longing for.
Now, imagine finally getting it, but after a while, it no longer feels as satisfying as you expected. Have you ever been there?
The World’s Desires: Fleeting Fulfillment
John isn’t saying the world is disappearing tomorrow, but he’s pointing out something deeper: everything we crave, everything we think will make us happy, is temporary.
Earthly desires like material wealth, status, and pleasures are like sand slipping through our fingers. Ever bought something you wanted so badly, only to feel indifferent toward it a month later?
That’s exactly the cycle John is talking about.
But what happens when we chase only temporary things? Do we end up feeling fulfilled?
Here’s the question: Are the things you’re running after today, things that will matter tomorrow?
A Lasting Pursuit: Doing The Will Of God
John offers a solution to this never-ending cycle—living by God’s will. This doesn’t mean just following rules; it’s about aligning your heart with what truly matters.
Think of the people in your life who inspire you, not because of what they have, but because of who they are—their kindness, their integrity.
Doesn’t that feel more lasting than any fleeting pleasure?
When we focus on God’s will, we tap into something that never fades. It’s like planting a seed that continues to grow even when everything else withers.
What if you could focus on something today that would leave an eternal impact? What would that look like for you?
The Challenge: Identifying And Resisting Worldly Desires
This verse challenges us to recognize the pull of worldly desires in our everyday life. Let’s be real—our culture constantly feeds us the idea that more is better, whether it’s more success, more things, or more experiences.
It’s easy to get swept up. But stopping to ask yourself, Is this really filling my soul?, can be the first step in realigning your focus.
It’s not about denying yourself good things, but about seeking what’s truly good.
A moment of recognition can shift your perspective from temporary satisfaction to eternal purpose.
Story Time: A Real-Life Application
Let me share a story about a friend of mine. He once thought climbing the corporate ladder and having the latest stuff would bring him happiness.
And for a while, it did—he bought his dream car, got promoted, and people admired his lifestyle. But one day, he confided in me, “I have all these things, but something’s missing. I don’t feel content.”
That conversation became a turning point for him. He began shifting his focus toward helping others, volunteering, and deepening his spiritual life.
Slowly, he found more lasting joy, not from what he owned but from how he lived. The desires he had were still there, but they no longer controlled him.
What about you? What’s that one desire that often pulls your focus away from what really matters?
Final Thought: What Lasts Forever?
This verse invites us to think beyond the here and now. It pushes us to consider: What’s going to last when everything else fades?
Maybe it’s the relationships we nurture, the love we give, or the purpose we find in living out God’s will. These are the things that endure, long after the temporary pleasures of life have passed.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision—whether to chase something fleeting or focus on what matters—remember the wisdom of 1 John 2:17. It’s a reminder that we’re meant for more than this world’s desires; we’re meant for eternity.
What step will you take today to prioritize what lasts forever?
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