And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, but the person who does God’s will abides forever. Our obedience does not earn eternal life. Throughout his Gospel and letters, John teaches that God gives eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Obedience is not the price of belonging to God; it is the fruit of belonging to Him.
The person who has received eternal life begins to desire the will of the eternal God. Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience grows out of love.
Doing God’s will is not about making dramatic decisions at life’s major crossroads. God’s will is most often expressed through ordinary faithfulness. It is telling the truth when deception is easier. It is offering forgiveness when resentment feels justified. It is serving when no recognition follows or choosing purity when compromise is available.
The world celebrates the immediate and impressive. But God tends to work through that which is hidden, patient, and enduring. A life built on God’s will may not look successful, but walking with Jesus is the measure of success. Jesus said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to him” (John 8:29). He surrendered His entire life to the Father’s will, even when that path led through rejection, suffering, and the cross.
Because Jesus obeyed perfectly, we are not condemned by our imperfect obedience. His righteousness covers us, and His Spirit strengthens us. We do not obey to earn God’s love. We obey because, in Christ, we have discovered that His will is wiser than our desires, His presence is better than the world’s approval, and His life is the only life that never ends.
Father, thank You that eternal life is Your gift through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for resisting Your will when it conflicts with our comfort or desires. Teach us to trust that Your ways are good even when obedience is costly. Strengthen us to be faithful in today’s ordinary choices. We surrender our plans, ambitions, and future to You.
Faithful in the Ordinary,
eep
