What do you value most in life? In answer to that question many people say things like family, health, financial security, career, friends, happiness, and so on. I have a neighbor who apparently values his red mustang convertible. I have reached that conclusion because nearly every day of the week he is out in the driveway religiously washing and waxing the car.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these values, they all share a common fault. None of them will last. I put a very high value on family. But I am also aware of the fact that the people I love will not be around forever. Job discovered that health and wealth can disappear in a day. Careers can be terminated, or will eventually conclude. Happiness is fleeting. Even that beautiful red mustang convertible will someday be towed to a junk yard and sold for parts.
The apostle John spoke the truth when he said, “This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave” (1 John 2:17). Even the dearest things in life last only for a time, so appreciate them while you have them.
In light of that reality, it might be wise to rethink the question. What do you value most in life? Maybe we should value things that last. Paul helps us here. Writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).
The word Paul used that is translated “abide” is significant. It means to remain in place. Synonyms include “to stay, stand fast, dwell, continue, last, endure, be permanent.” When used in reference to God the word stresses His unchanging nature. When used in reference to the Word of God it emphasizes the Bible’s enduring quality. In Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians the verb “abide” tells us that faith, hope, and love are values that last.
Faith in God will outlast the world. Hope in God will never die. But love is the greatest of all. The day will come when our faith will become sight, and our hopes are realized. Their work will be complete. But love is eternal for “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Stability in an ever-changing world comes from having values that last. I encourage you to embrace these values that can never be taken away from you. When all is said and done there abides (ever present, always active) faith, hope, and love. These are values that last.
Pastor Todd Weston
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these values, they all share a common fault. None of them will last. I put a very high value on family. But I am also aware of the fact that the people I love will not be around forever. Job discovered that health and wealth can disappear in a day. Careers can be terminated, or will eventually conclude. Happiness is fleeting. Even that beautiful red mustang convertible will someday be towed to a junk yard and sold for parts.
The apostle John spoke the truth when he said, “This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave” (1 John 2:17). Even the dearest things in life last only for a time, so appreciate them while you have them.
In light of that reality, it might be wise to rethink the question. What do you value most in life? Maybe we should value things that last. Paul helps us here. Writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).
The word Paul used that is translated “abide” is significant. It means to remain in place. Synonyms include “to stay, stand fast, dwell, continue, last, endure, be permanent.” When used in reference to God the word stresses His unchanging nature. When used in reference to the Word of God it emphasizes the Bible’s enduring quality. In Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians the verb “abide” tells us that faith, hope, and love are values that last.
Faith in God will outlast the world. Hope in God will never die. But love is the greatest of all. The day will come when our faith will become sight, and our hopes are realized. Their work will be complete. But love is eternal for “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Stability in an ever-changing world comes from having values that last. I encourage you to embrace these values that can never be taken away from you. When all is said and done there abides (ever present, always active) faith, hope, and love. These are values that last.
Pastor Todd Weston
