Overwhelming Desire
OverwhelmiNg Desire
The Apostle John commanded us in 1 John 2:15 to "not love the world or the things in the world." He describes these things as "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life (2:16)."
The world we live in would have us believe that if our desires are met, we will be happy. Therefore, the message of the world is that the goal of life is to fulfill one's desires. These could be boiled down to three general categories: satisfaction, security, and significance.
If I can feel that I have enough, I will be happy.
Enough money, friends, time, strength, comfort, power, control, food, freedom, attention from the opposite sex, etc, etc. will bring a settled peace of satisfaction.
If I can feel that nothing of importance can be lost, I will be happy.
My money, friends, family, property, time, body, food, job, visa, comforts, control, power, abilities, and others' attention cannot be taken from me, so I am at peace.
If I can feel that I am sufficiently important, I will be happy.
The right amount of "likes", acclaims, "thank yous", pats on the back, hugs, messages, phone calls, requests for help, applause, mentions, and reposts, then I can know that I am needed and my life is meaningful.
But all these things that produce overwhelming desires are passing away (2:17). Even so, we wrestle daily with making these desires primary in our thoughts, words, actions, and affections. What is the antidote to not loving the world? John gives it to us in 5:1-5. He says that the only thing that can overcome the desires of the world is a desire for something greater. Jesus, the Son of God, satisfies me with himself. Lust and inordinate desires that put too much hope in earthly things are replaced with a God-born, faith-filled, satisfaction with Jesus, the Son of God. Overwhelming desires are only overcome by a greater satisfaction. The satisfaction, security, and significance our hearts were made to enjoy are only found in Jesus.
How have you expected the things of the world to satisfy you, bring you security, or give you significance?
How does Jesus answer your heart's desires?
For your joy in Jesus,
Loren
