In today’s world man is getting farther and farther away from the teachings in God’s word. As this is happening what should be the main goal of every life, preparing for eternity, becomes more obscure. If one has the desire to live eternity with God in heaven they must search for and follow the steps of Jesus as they travel through this world. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
The Apostle John revealed to all that there is a battle being fought every day. It is a battle that involves everyone on the face of the earth. The world is full of temptations for young and old alike. Today there seems to be less time for the home, family and God. A struggle goes on to provide and maintain a standard of living, and the proper spiritual nurturing. John wrote, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:15-17).
What is the world spoken of by John?
The three things he specifies are "the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life". These three are the subtitles for every sin known to man. Mother Eve fell to temptation by these things (Gen. 3:1-6). It is by these things that man is drawn away by temptation and into sin. James tells that lust when it is conceived bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death (James 1:13-15).
Jesus was tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:1-11) with the same ideas; lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life. Jesus used the scriptures to answer the temptations. This gives an idea of just how important the knowledge of God’s word should be to all.
The things of this life will not last forever. Storms come and destroy things and people but one day all will be destroyed. "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10). Only those who have sided with the God of heaven by obeying His Word will have a home in heaven for eternity.
All must choose which side of the battle to be on as they head toward eternity. This writer’s prayer is that all will make the right choice and follow God. Study the Bible, believe in Christ as the Son of God, repent of the sins in your life, be willing to confess Jesus as the Christ before men and then be baptized for the remission of your sins.