Ephesians 4:20-24
Verse 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
We continue our talking about putting off the old life so that we can put on the new. As we have said this new life isn’t just a change in behavior.
Today’s reading shows an important key to what hinders us in spiritual growth. Paul told his readers that they were being corrupted by their deceitful desires. These desires that lead us to believe they will bring us the greatest happiness are just pleasure of this world. They are alluring and seem to promise lasting pleasure but in reality they are barely even temporal. Giving into those desires can have lasting consequences though.
Knowing how to identify those desires in our hearts takes being honest with ourselves about where the desires come from. Some may seem innocent enough on the surface but are ultimately dangerous because of the damage they can do to our faith in God. For instance maybe there is a desire that doesn’t seem like a sinful desire, maybe a spouse, different house or maybe a new care. Those are all good things if we are seeking them under God’s guidance. But there are times that we fail to see dangers that they could bring to our lives and hearts.
When we lean into our desires we can run into the issue of the desires becoming an idol in our hearts. We stop enjoying the life that we are living and think only this other life could bring us the greatest satisfaction. We start focusing more and more thoughts and energy on these things until we start thinking that only through obtaining them can we be true to ourselves.
This is where the tipping point comes and we find ourselves needing to see just how much of a hold the desire has over us. What we need to be honest with ourselves about is that we are buying lies when we seek these things over God. If we are truly wanting to grow in the way that pleases Him, we must stop answering the desires that please us with no regard to Him.
Making It Personal
What desires pull you away from God? What is it about them that draws you? What truth do you need to acknowledge about them?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you have anything you really want that may not be what Jesus wants for you? Why would you want something that He doesn’t want for you? What do you think Jesus does want for you?
Closing Prayer
Father, forgive us for allowing ourselves to be sidetracked by the things of this world. Give us an ever growing desire to want what You want for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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