Living for What Lasts Forever ... Unpacking the Message of 1 John 2:17
- Anthony Speciale
- Aug 5
- 9 min read
Greetings,
Living for What Lasts Forever
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
Unpacking the Message of 1 John 2:17
This verse, 1 John 2:17 — “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” — draws a powerful contrast between what is temporary and what is eternal. It invites us to look deeply at the motivations behind our actions and to re-evaluate what we are truly living for. So often, we are caught up in the pursuit of things that feel urgent, desirable, and important by the world’s standards. Whether it's wealth, status, pleasure, recognition, or even just comfort, these desires shape the decisions of many. Yet John reminds us that everything the world chases after will ultimately fade. The applause, the riches, the trends, the pleasures — they are like smoke in the wind. They may seem solid for a moment, but they do not last.
This verse forces us to pause and ask ourselves: What am I building my life upon? What drives my decisions day by day? If it is anything rooted in the temporary — in the desires of the world — then it will eventually disappoint. But if our lives are shaped by obedience to the will of God, the outcome is drastically different. There’s a promise here: the one who does the will of God lives forever. That’s not just referring to eternal life after death, but to a kind of life that starts now — a meaningful, Spirit-filled, purpose-driven life that is anchored in truth.
There is something liberating about detaching ourselves from the grip of worldly desire. It doesn't mean we live carelessly or that we don’t enjoy God’s gifts, but it means we aren’t mastered by them. When we let go of the need to keep up with others, or prove our worth through achievements, or satisfy every craving of the flesh, we make room in our hearts to desire what God desires. We begin to care more about His opinion than man’s, more about His purpose than our own plans, more about love than success, and more about truth than comfort.
Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. Though He could have had all the kingdoms of the world, He chose to serve, to obey, to suffer, and to save. Why? Because He knew that doing the Father’s will was the path to true glory. In doing so, He revealed to us that the way up is down, the way to life is through surrender, and the way to fulfillment is through obedience.
This verse also carries with it a warning and a comfort. The warning is that everything outside of God’s will is fleeting. No matter how successful, popular, or impressive something appears, if it isn't grounded in God's will, it won't last. This includes relationships, careers, ministries, or goals. But the comfort is that when you align your life with God’s will, you are building something eternal. You are investing in a kingdom that cannot be shaken. You are participating in a story that will never end.
The Speciale Foundation
Maximal Productivity Accompanied By The Utmost Generosity
Worshiping Jesus ✝️ Loving People ❤️ Serving Others
The Speciale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving others in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rooted in faith and guided by His teachings, our mission is to restore hope, uphold personal dignity, and empower individuals by meeting their basic needs.
We are committed to providing essential resources, compassionate support, and practical solutions to those facing hardships.
By fostering a spirit of love, service, and community, we strive to help individuals reclaim their sense of worth and pursue lives filled with purpose and pride.
Through Christ-centered action and unwavering dedication, The Speciale Foundation seeks to be a beacon of light, transforming lives and glorifying God through every act of service.
Your one time or monthly reoccurring tax deductible donation will be
100% employed to directly serving others in the name of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - Thank You and God Bless!
NOTE: Charity founders will match your one time
and/or monthly reoccurring donations, Dollar for Dollar.
Anna, Brian and myself are excited to provide medical relief to a hard working young man who has fallen ill. At the same time he cares for his elderly, disabled parents - all while refusing to file for disability ... continuing to work through the misery he's living.
"As I got to know Tolly, I felt God put it on my heart to do what we're called to for him."
Our faithful and gracious donors have helped make ALL this possible!!!
🙌🏻 God Bless & Thank You For All Your Support 🙏🏻
We live in a time when desires are marketed to us at every turn. We're told to follow our hearts, to chase our dreams, to do whatever makes us happy. But Scripture offers a different wisdom — that not all desires are worth following. In fact, some desires will lead us into slavery. The freedom that God offers isn’t the freedom to do whatever we want; it's the freedom to do what is right, what is eternal, and what will actually satisfy our souls.
Living according to God’s will isn’t always easy. It may mean saying no when everyone else is saying yes. It may mean giving up something we deeply want. It may mean suffering or being misunderstood. But the promise is clear: the reward is forever. Every sacrifice, every surrender, every act of obedience that honors God is not wasted — it is stored in heaven, and it shapes who we become in Christ.
So let this verse challenge your priorities. Let it refine your desires. Ask yourself what you’re really chasing, and whether that pursuit is anchored in the will of God. The beautiful truth is that God’s will is not some mysterious, unknowable thing. He reveals it through His Word, through prayer, through community, and through His Spirit. As we seek Him, we are shown what He wants, and we are strengthened to walk in it.
To do the will of God is to live in step with His heart — to love what He loves, to serve how Jesus served, to pursue holiness, to show mercy, to walk humbly. It is not about performance, but about relationship. When our hearts are yielded to Him, our lives become instruments of His will. And even when everything around us fades, our lives remain rooted in what is eternal.
In the end, this verse is a call to live with eternity in mind. To measure our days not by how much we’ve gained in the eyes of the world, but by how much we’ve aligned with the purposes of God. May this truth settle into your heart: that the world and its desires are passing away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever. And that’s the kind of life worth living.
Experience The Speciale Analysis Difference Today
Studying Market Analysis And Trading LIVE Since 2010
Elevating Others To Their Highest Potential Since 2020
A prominent verse related to generational stewardship of money is Proverbs 13:22, which states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."
This verse suggests that part of being a good steward of wealth includes planning for the future and ensuring the well-being of future generations of kingdom builders.
This verse is often cited in discussions about financial planning and legacy, it's important to remember that the Bible also emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need and being content with what one has, rather than accumulating wealth for its own sake.
The focus should be on using resources wisely and for God's glory first and foremost, NOT simply leaving a large sum of generational money.
My mission is to serve followers of Christ through helping them become builders of His kingdom. Trading is NOT a get rich scheme, rather it's a skillset that when applied from the perspective of stewarding God's wealth and will first, proves to be incredibly fulfilling!
Contact me today for your FREE trading consultation: info@specialeanalysis.com
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Are you a Kingdom Builder for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
If so, I'd like to send you the MASTER PLAN of the Speciale Analysis 2-Timeframe Signature Setup 100% FREE + 3 BONUSES!
A detailed list broken down that you'll easily understand and find invaluable to your day and/or swing trading!
BONUS #1: 20+ minutes on setting up your chart to see what we look at LIVE every morning from 0800 - 1100 ET.
BONUS #2: a checklist containing 23 specific attributes of what it takes to become a consistent, disciplined and profitable trader.
BONUS #3: A one-on-one LIVE (ZOOM) consultation where I'll answer all of your questions, helping you decide if trading aligns with your mindset, personality and lifestyle.
Simply send me an email at: info@specialeanalysis.com for your FREE, No Obligation ACCESS to TRAINING CONTENT and 3 BONUSES!
Here's our 7-day journaling and prayer guide based on 1 John 2:17 —
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” — designed to help you draw your heart away from temporary distractions and root yourself in what is eternal and pleasing to God.
Day 1 – Recognizing the Temporary
Reflection: What are some worldly desires or attachments that occupy your thoughts and emotions? How much of your time is focused on things that won’t last?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to open your eyes to what is fleeting versus what is eternal. Invite Him to help you let go of anything that’s distracting you from His will.
Day 2 – Anchoring in God’s Will
Reflection: What does it mean to you personally to “do the will of God”? Reflect on moments when you clearly felt aligned with His purpose.
Prayer Prompt: Pray for a deepening awareness of God’s will in your daily decisions and long-term goals. Surrender your own plans and ask for divine direction.
Day 3 – Confronting Cultural Pressure
Reflection: In what ways do you feel pulled by the world’s definition of success, happiness, or identity? Where are you tempted to compromise?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God for strength to stand apart, to be holy, and to remain faithful even when the world moves in a different direction.
Day 4 – Examining the Heart
Reflection: What desires do you notice in your heart that may not be aligned with God's heart? Are there things you seek for validation, comfort, or control?
Prayer Prompt: Pray Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me.” Invite God to cleanse and purify your desires.
Day 5 – Living with Eternity in Mind
Reflection: How often do you consider the eternal value of your choices? What would change if you viewed each moment through the lens of eternity?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to help you live this day with eternity in mind — to seek things that build His Kingdom and reflect His love.
Day 6 – Serving God, Not Self
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you’re doing things for recognition, praise, or personal gain rather than for God? How can you re-center your motives?
Prayer Prompt: Invite God to shape your heart into one that serves with joy and humility. Ask Him to make your life a reflection of His glory, not your own.
Day 7 – The Promise of Forever
Reflection: What does the phrase “lives forever” stir in you? How does the hope of eternal life change how you face trials, make decisions, or view your purpose today?
Prayer Prompt: Thank God for the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Commit once again to following His will above all else, trusting that His rewards never fade.
Closing thoughts as we pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...
Dear Beloved in Christ,
Living for What Lasts Forever
In a world constantly shifting—where trends fade, desires change, and even the strongest things pass away—God gives us a promise that never expires:
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
This verse calls us to anchor our lives in what is eternal.
When we align our hearts with God’s will, we are choosing a path that leads to everlasting life, unshaken by the world’s distractions.
Let today be a reminder to pursue what truly matters. Seek His will. Walk in obedience. And rest in the peace that what you do in Him will echo into eternity.
Live for what never fades.
With faith and purpose 🙏🏻
Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will
Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,
❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale
If we can pray for you, simply respond to the email you received or you can email us directly at: TheSpecialeFoundation@gmail.com
Comments