To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Catholic Men's Devotionals, Week 4 – Out on the Highways
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Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
1 John 2:15–17
Love for the world is really hatred of God (cf. Jas 4:4). When we seek our own way and look for our joy in the temporary trappings of this life, there is only one end in store for us: eternal punishment in hell. We cannot be good enough, perform enough works, or pay a great enough price to buy our way into the kingdom. Only the grace of God, given to us through the cross, can accomplish what all the wealth and prestige in the world cannot.
We can receive the blessings God has in store for us only if we accept this truth. Rather than storing up earthly treasures that will pass away, we need to seek the grace of God to accomplish his will and live out the purpose for which he created us. Are we willing to forgo the fleeting pleasures of a worthless life spent in personal pursuits in order become God’s adopted sons? Will we carry out the plans for us that were set in motion from eternity?
This is a life-or-death choice. If we rely on our own strength, we will fail. Only in Christ can we become saints who succeed for the kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
How has your love for the world kept you from becoming the man God wants you to be? What can you surrender to him now?
What earthly treasures have you surrendered to God in order to take hold of his will? What impact has this had on your life?
In what specific areas do you see yourself making progress for the kingdom of God?
Praying with Scripture
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
