There are many things that differentiate followers of Christ from unbelievers. (morality, faith, concept of truth, origin of life, purpose of life, & other world views)
Many of these differences can boil down to one concept in particular, and that is our concept of time.
1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
Notice the “Why” that is mentioned at the end… “The world is passing away and also its lusts.” In other words, this world and all of its tempting offers has an expiration date that only God knows. In contrast, those who love God and do what God wants will live forever.
While this passage reminds us to love God instead of the world, it is also a reminder to seek and hold on to what is eternal instead of the temporary stuff.
This was fresh on my mind during the super bowl last Sunday. All the lusts and pride of this life in full display, and then at the pinnacle of athletic achievement (in the USA at least) the victory is so short lived. The very next day ESPN was talking about potential moves for next season, and predicting who might win next year? There may be a vacation to enjoy first, but in no time the front offices & coaching staff of New England will be game planning for next season.
The “highs” this life has to offer are so temporary! No wonder Solomon in all his wisdom yelled “Vanity, all is vanity!” so many times in Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us “God has placed eternity in our hearts” Regardless of religion or lack of religion, all humanity desires something that is meaningful and lasting. Unfortunately we settle for vain things that don’t satisfy. The primary reason they don’t satisfy is because they don’t last.
As believers we have great news to share with a very confused and frustrated world… There is eternal life in Jesus!
Perhaps what makes older Christians so wise is their superior concept of time, learning to prioritize what matters most by what lasts forever.
