The Undesired: This World Is Not Our Home

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth (Psalm 73:25)

“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” (1 John 2:15). While being questioned by Pilate, Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus did not come here to fight this world or seek political office; He did not rally His followers to march on Caesar’s palace to demand rights for His disciples. There was nothing in this world’s system that Jesus desired except to seek and save lost sinners (Luke 19:10).

“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” (1 John 2:16). The promise of physical beauty is attractive, but can it save a person? Fame is available for those who work hard and achieve their goals, but what good are accolades for the famous dead? Jesus was so well known that He was not always able to walk freely in public (John 2:23–25; 6:15). He did not seek His own glory; He sought to do the will of His Father who is in heaven (John 8:28–29, 42, 54).

“The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). When a ship is sinking, who in their right mind will jump aboard and try to live life on it as though everything is okay? In the same way, why would anyone want to hold on to this world? It is on a one-way course towards termination and replacement (2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 21:1). There is nothing of value here except those who put their trust in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 20:30–31; 1 John 5:13).

Instead of banking on this world, and putting high hopes on saving the planet, instead of trying to establish a place in this society, look above to home in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21; Colossians 3:1–2). There is nothing here in this world that is worth saving except the future citizens of heaven (Luke 19:10; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1–4). Remember what you were taught while growing up—choose your friends wisely (James 4:4).