Friday, March 1 (February 17), 2024
1Jn. 2:7-17; Mk. 14:3-9

“The world passeth away, and the lust thereof” [1Jn. 2:17]. Who doesn’t see that?  Everything is changing around us ─ things, people, events, and we ourselves.  And lusts of the world are changing likewise: no later than we satisfy our craving, it disappears, eclipsed by another; we pursue this one ─ it gives way to the third; we chase that one ─ and it follows suite… And nothing remains constant, everything comes and goes away.

If so, is there really anything constant, anything permanent at all?  Yes, there is, continues the Apostle: “he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”  [1Jn. 2:17].  By what means does this ever-changing world persist?  By God’s will; God’s will is its firm, steady foundation.  Likewise, if you are firm in your desire to do God’s will, you become firm and steady yourself.  Your thoughts are in a restless flow as long as you are in a vain, worldly pursuit, ─ but when you come to your senses and return to the path of God’s will, your thoughts and intentions will begin to calm down.  And as you gain experience in this godly way of life, every bit of your world, both in and out, moves towards a peaceful order and harmony.

This profound peace of mind, this harmony of your world view, having begun in this earthly life, will continue into the future, into eternity.  That’s what is constant, what is steadfast in this ever-changing world: doing God’s will.

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