Devotional: Love Determines Destiny 1 John 2

“This is the promise which He Himself made to us: life” (1 Jn. 2:25, NASB).

What do you hope to gain from your life? What do you believe about your destiny? Do you want to gain riches, power, and fame in this world? Are you willing to give up your worldly goods to live eternally in the kingdom of God? Can you love the world and love God at the same time? Many people believe that they can have the best of both worlds. Some people do not believe in life after death? Some believe that there is no relationship between this life and life in the kingdom of heaven. Although earth and heaven are two totally different places our destiny is determined while we live on planet earth. Love is the determining factor.

John writes this letter at a time when the church, the people of God, is faced with the teaching of various philosophies. These competing philosophies give rise to schisms in the church. John writes to give clarity to the gospel message and the destiny of those that believe what the message says about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Again, our love determines our destiny. What we love determines what we do. What we love determines greatly to what we believe.

John tells the church that they are not to love the world. The world has much to offer, but the world cannot offer us a relationship with God. God does not promise us worldly possessions. Instead, God promises eternal life to all persons that believe in Jesus. Do you want to gain the world’s possessions? Would you be willing to give up your love for the world and commit yourself to Jesus Christ? If you do, your destiny is with Jesus and the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Jesus, today I am declaring my love for You. I no longer love the world. I believe in Your promise of eternal life. Amen.