The Progression of Desire by Joan Cook
"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel." James 4:1-2
Using God as an excuse for a fight is unwise. The Jewish Christians had frequent wars with the Romans. They were a very quarrelsome, divided people. They even fought amongst themselves. Why are there fights and conflicts? I believe the Word of God tells us it is due to our "worldly desires for pleasure".
That's not unlike the Christians of today, is it? Even in today's Christian marriages we see ladies who are not content, so they nag their husbands to get what they want or men who buy big ticket items trying to fulfill discontentment.
Here is the progression of desire:
1. Want something
2. Begin to think about it.
3. Dominates our thoughts and we involuntarily think about it all the time.
4. Dream about it.
5. Begin to imagine having it no matter the cost.
6. Do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Some desires may be perfectly legitimate (ex: health, friendship, family, job, home). The problem comes when desires can't be obtained, then temptation comes and can lead us to sin! Then, we have been drawn away from God by our desires.
When we desire something that we cannot obtain, we can become discontent with what we have. Ruth Bell Graham wrote this prayer that could be yours today:
"Teach me contentment, Lord, whatever my lot, keeping my eyes on You in trust. Knowing your love is true, your way is just.
Teach discontentment, Lord, with what I am; daily striving, growing daily nearer, finding you are daily closer, dearer.
Contented, Lord, yet discontented make me, both together working, blending all in your glory ending."
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On The Go Daily Devotion for APRIL 9, 2018
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