Up in Smoke

On July 12 the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park extended its wrath and consumed the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins.  Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression but were unable to save the Grand Canyon Lodge.  Even though the building went up in smoke, no injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire escalation.  The North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season.  

            Everything we build on this earth is subject to fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and the ravages of time.  Nothing lasts on this earth forever.  That is why our Lord challenges us not to love the world or the things of the world.  The Apostle John challenges us 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever”.  John tells us that genuine believers do not love the world.  Loving the world is to wrap our minds and our desires tightly around the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  The lust of the flesh refers to unbridled fleshly desires both sexually and socially.  The lust of the eyes means we conduct a perilous pursuit of materialism.  And the pride of life is the craving for position, power, money, and recognition.

            John tells us not to love this sinful world system because we are called to a greater love.  Loving God, His Son, His people, and His work is our passion.  One day the world will go up in smoke, but God, His people, and His kingdom will abide forever.