FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 28)
NOT IN THE WAY OF THE WORLD
December 30, 2019
Today’s reading: 1 John 2:12-17
One who listens to and acts on God’s word is one who builds his house on rock. The floods and winds buffet the house but it will not collapse. Thus, “whoever does the will of God remains forever.” (v.17b).
Are we building on rock? What does God’s word tell us? “Do not love the world or the things of the world.” (v.15a). Do we understand and obey? Or are we unwittingly loving the things of the world and taking on its ways? Such as consumerism, gossip, selfishness, political correctness. Are we trying to have it both ways—God as well as the world? But God tells us clearly, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (v.15b). You cannot serve God and mammon. What the world offers is “sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (v.16). All these “are passing away.” (v.17a). Those who embrace these are building on sand.
As we are ending this year, it is good to review what we have held important in our life, what we have spent our time and money on, what our priorities have been. It might surprise us to know that we have not been building solidly on rock. If so, we have not been fully following God. If so, we have let the evil one encroach into our lives.
Let us resolve to build our lives, our homes, our community and our Church on the Rock that is Christ. If so, then “you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.” (v.14c).
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