John reveals 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.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves 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).

It is easy to see today that many are getting further and further away from God. As this is happening, what should be the main goal of every life, preparing for eternity, becomes more obscure. If one desires to live in eternity with God, 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).

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 ever sin known to man. Eve fell to temptation by these things (Genesis 3:1-6). It is by these things that man is drawn away by temptation and into sin. James tells us that lust, when it is conceived, brings forth sin and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death (James 1:13-15).

The things of this life will not last forever. One day they will all 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 they want to be on as eternity approaches. 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. The warning given by God should be heeded by all.