Passage of the Day:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever, 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection:
The words above were likely inspired by something the apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia several decades before John penned one of his three epistles. Galatians 5:16-17 introduced first century Christians to the spiritual battle taking place inside your own body. Like a spiritual tug of war, the sinful nature tends to have an upper hand on the Holy Spirit. Like the old Veggie Tales classic, the Rumor Weed, the more you feed these desires, the harder it becomes to stop yourself from loving the wrong things in life.
Prayerful Actions:
I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. 2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. 3 I will not look with approval on anything that is vile; I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. 4 The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil, Psalm 101:3.
Restoring Your Heart:
The words above are a prayer written by King David. Perhaps, David is reflecting upon his first glance of Bathsheba taking a bath outside. It’s one thing to notice beauty, but taking a second glance often conceives enticement with a lust for more, James 1:14-15. One of my spiritual mentors in college talked about sin keeping you longer than you expected to stay. Once evil thoughts become full blown, even Christians are capable of doing the unexpected act. May you flee from evil so that fleshly desires don’t give birth to sexual addictions.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Job’s defense to accusations made against him is compelling, Job 10:1-7. If you ever find yourself unable to control your eyes, pray the prayers of David and Job to start your heart from loving the wrong things in life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 