The annual frenzied, craziness of the holiday season has officially begun. Merchants, both brick-and-mortar and online, have been anticipating this moment for months.
Somewhere in the midst of all the festivities and twinkling lights it can be easy to forget our spiritual bearings. We get swept up by the spirit of the season and set the Holy Spirit aside.
It is important, especially at this time of the year, that we keep things in perspective. That is, we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ as we are told in Hebrews 12:1-2. This can be difficult to do at this time of year.
Perhaps we could all use some good advice on how to enjoy this special season, but still manage to keep it all from getting out of hand. And what better source of support of inspiration to turn to than the Bible!
Naturally, there are many verses we could refer to, but I feel that in 1 John 2 we will find timely guidance to see us through with minimal distress to our spiritual and physical lives.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them" (1 John 2:15). Pay close attention to "the world." In this case, it means the ways of the world, its pleasures, passions, and pursuits.
We should not to set our affinity on the things of this world. The object of our attention must always be on Jesus Christ. How easy it is to get tripped up on this particular point. Stay focused!
Next, "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16). Take special heed of the words "lust" and "pride" in this verse.
"Lust," as it is used here indicates those indulgences that satisfy worldly appetites or cravings, not necessarily sexual in nature. Namely, the pursuit of objects which divert our attention from Jesus, and offer only temporary fulfillment.
In addition, "pride" implies boasting, pretentiousness, and arrogance. As you might have guessed, many find satisfaction in promoting what they have as a mark of position and power. Self-promotion over Jesus Christ is never acceptable!
Finally, "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17). This verse sums up all that has been mentioned thus far.
The things of this world are transient, they posture themselves briefly in the spotlight before fading away. Yet, there are many who place the center of their attention on various objects of "desire."
The point here today is not to spoil your enjoyment of life. Think of it as a self-checklist to remind us all what is truly important, not only now but all year long. As verse 17 says, "...whoever does the will of God lives forever."
Scripture: Philippians 3:12; Proverbs 4:25; Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 26:3
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I will meditate on your commandments and fix my eyes on your ways at all times. On You who provides life everlasting and not objects of fleeting contentment, amen.
Love and blessings,
Andrea
"Lust," as it is used here indicates those indulgences that satisfy worldly appetites or cravings, not necessarily sexual in nature. Namely, the pursuit of objects which divert our attention from Jesus, and offer only temporary fulfillment.
In addition, "pride" implies boasting, pretentiousness, and arrogance. As you might have guessed, many find satisfaction in promoting what they have as a mark of position and power. Self-promotion over Jesus Christ is never acceptable!
Finally, "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17). This verse sums up all that has been mentioned thus far.
The things of this world are transient, they posture themselves briefly in the spotlight before fading away. Yet, there are many who place the center of their attention on various objects of "desire."
The point here today is not to spoil your enjoyment of life. Think of it as a self-checklist to remind us all what is truly important, not only now but all year long. As verse 17 says, "...whoever does the will of God lives forever."
Scripture: Philippians 3:12; Proverbs 4:25; Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 26:3
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I will meditate on your commandments and fix my eyes on your ways at all times. On You who provides life everlasting and not objects of fleeting contentment, amen.
Love and blessings,
Andrea
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