It is easy to succumb to the temptations of the temporal city of man. How we spend our time is telling—we have choices to make. Is our time spent on what is temporary or what is eternal—materialism or the Word of God? Consumption for ourselves or helping another person in need? Feeding our eyes with the lusts of this world (e.g., 1 John 2:16) or closing our devices for a time of prayer? 

The city of man is the world outside of Christ. Unlike the everlasting kingdom of heaven (or, as it is also called, the kingdom of God), the city of man is temporal. It doesn’t last, so be careful not to set your mind and heart on it. While Christians live among those belonging to the city of man in this world, they are set apart by God in Christ as eternal citizens of the city of God.

The So-Called Treasures of the City of Man May Tempt Us, but They Do Not Last

For example, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus uses the metaphor of treasures to contrast the world, the temporal city of man, with heaven, the eternal city of God:

“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.” (Matt. 6:19-21)

This world has no trouble grabbing our attention and trying to convince us it is full of treasures—this lure is all around us and constantly before our eyes. One problem, though, is that the things—the so-called treasures—of this world do not last. Moth and rust destroy them. Thieves steal them. We die and another inherits our possessions and wealth, and we have no idea if they will use it wisely or not (Eccl. 2:18-19).

Even by our own experience we know this is true. Our favorite things wear out. Our cherished memories fade away, and when we go back and visit the places that helped form them, nothing is the same. Though we long for things that last, such as friends who are there forever and a legacy with permanent benefits for others, it is all temporary. The city of man doesn’t last:

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:17)

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