1 John 2:16-17 (NIV)

“16 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. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

We live in a world where society constantly encourages us to chase after temporary pleasures and status. Wealth, fame, and power are held up as symbols of success, and we’re often tempted to measure our worth by them. But these desires, while appealing, don’t offer lasting fulfillment. They can leave us feeling empty, always chasing the next thing that promises satisfaction but never delivers fully. Here we are reminded that these things are part of “the world,” and they are fleeting.

The lure of wealth, beauty, power, or fame does not come from God. Instead, God calls us to a life that values humility, love, and service over selfish ambition. When we focus on worldly desires, we become slaves to what is temporary. But when we live for God’s will, we find our purpose in something eternal.

God promises that whoever does His will will live forever. Unlike the world’s promises, His offer is solid and everlasting. When we align ourselves with His purposes, we’re building our lives on a foundation that won’t crumble. Pursuing God’s will might not bring fame or power, but it brings peace, fulfillment, and a relationship with Him that outlasts everything else. This week, reflect on where your energy and focus have been recently. Are you more focused on things that are temporary or things that will last forever? Consider one step you can take to realign your goals with God’s will, whether it’s spending more time in prayer, serving others, or letting go of something that’s been distracting you from Him.