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In Touch - July 8, 2008

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 -  Dealing With Wrong Desires -  Psalms 145:18-21

Some believers can have wrong desires. In fact if we work hard enough by pressing ahead of divine timing, manipulating our circumstances, and acting dishonestly, we may be able to make wishes reality. But anything gained apart from God will prove to be empty and disappointing.

Having desires is good. Goals drive us and set the direction for our life. But we want our objectives to match the ones God has for us. Longings contrary to His purposes have the power to corrupt the body, mind, or spirit. They can also cause some believers to fall into temptation.

How can we be sure our desires are right? A godly ambition is usually specific and fixed. It’ll stand up to evaluation through prayer and Bible study. In contrast, a wrong desire fails to meet these criteria. For instance, some people may have only a vague sense of what they want from life. Or their yearning changes easily as circumstances shift or time passes. Most dangerous is that goal which is pursued despite its incompatibility with a righteous lifestyle. In such cases, the believer has neglected to consider two vital questions:

Does God want this for me?

and Can I follow Christ and this objective at the same time?

Many of the things we desire aren’t specifically addressed in Scripture as “thou shalt” or “thou shalt not.” That’s why the Lord gives us access to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment. We must prayerfully evaluate our longings. This will ensure we’re within God’s will and pursuing His purpose for our life.

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