What are Your Desires? 3

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but the world.” 1 John 2:16

A life without desires is like a garden without flowers because it is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to achieve anything. However, since desire is all about the mind and motivation, we must also be aware of our emotions because what we desire can build a foundation of greatness or establish the root of all evil. That’s why 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

Of course, numerous studies show that fulfilling a desire is a major factor in attaining happiness. For example, in one study, smokers who could quit smoking after discovering that their spouse was pregnant were much happier than those who failed to quit. This is likely because quitting smoking fulfilled one of their desires – to have a healthy baby. Unfortunately, however, fulfilling a desire can also lead to foolishness in humankind. Consider the example of someone who desires wealth but becomes obsessed with making money and loses sight of what is truly important in life.

1 Timothy 6:10 says, “Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.”

Or consider the person who desires fame but then becomes so wrapped up in self-promotion that they lose touch with reality. And this can be so bad that they become delusional and may even start to believe in their false reality. Many of us have had desires that we have become too wrapped up in. As a result, we often find ourselves trying to fulfill those desires without realizing that we are actually doing something wrong. That’s why Mark 4:19 says, “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

So what do you desire? And more importantly, is it something that will bring you happiness or lead you down a path of foolishness? Can you be mindful of your desires and make sure they lead you to a good life? Be mindful of your desire and pursue Jesus. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the pathway to happiness. Follow Jesus’ example, and you will find true happiness. Put on Christ today and enjoy the fruits of the Spirit. Romans 13:1 says, “Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.”

Prayer:
1. Every arrow of evil desires fired into my life through dreams, in the name of Jesus, I command you be rooted out of my life now.
2. Psalm 118:17: “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.”
3. Philippians 4:19; “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Amen.