Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. -1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

I was reminded once again last night by a television preacher that the things we value so much in this life, save our money for [or spending foolishly on] or invest our time, talents and resources on have no permanent value and will pass away. It was pointed out that simply driving by a junkyard will illustrate the point. Those rusted, rotten old heaps piled up there were once the pride and joy of some new owner– who often drove them off the lot with an extreme sense of satisfaction, pride and the certainty that they would have this car for many years and take remarkable care of it. They did not see beyond the temporary existence of this thing and its subsequent insignificance in the light of God’s eternal kingdom. Not to be too overly dramatic here; it’s just that they probably way over-valued it in the beginning.

So many things that our lives present to us seem [at first] to be the answer to everything wrong in our existence and an absolute blessing. Many times, they solve problems and surely are blessings– but we must be careful not to let these material, worldly blessings blind us from the truth of the Gospel.

Are we too focused on the things in front of us [the things of this world] and, thus, taking our eyes off the prize?