Eternal Success

Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever. 1 John 2:16-17

It is easy for me to get caught up in worldly things, I don’t mean sinful things, just worldly things. Things that distract me from the will of God. These things pass away, they fade. I stopped and looked at the top 10 things children wanted for Christmas today versus ten years ago. With the exception of Barbie, nothing is the same, and even the Barbie items are not completely the same. The article I pulled up compared 10 years ago to 100 years before that. I laughed at the 1913 list as the majority of children would throw a fit if they received only the things on the list. None of the items on the 1913 list are on the 2013 list, although one could argue a Barbie is also a doll.

The interests of people are fleeting. Unfortunately sinful desires still abound in our society. The things that drive people to feel successful are often motived by the flesh. The things we take pride in are often driven by worldly values. Everything the Bible warns against.

Can we find success in God’s Kingdom and in the world? Look at how Billy Graham lived and succeeded. The answer is yes. Only if we focus on the eternal first. When we seek God’s will there we will find success that is eternal.

Lord, thank You that You are eternal and that nothing I desire in this world compares to You. Thank You that when I seek You and Your will You will take care of the success.