Remember when you or your children were little and were told “no” when asking for something. Maybe it was ice cream or cookies before dinner, a toy in the store, or something that was just not appropriate. Typically we/they would yell, “I Want It!” Even as little ones, we have a selfish (sinful) motivation and desire to satisfy our wants and needs. “among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:3.
The sad part is, we still do that as adults.
We still want what we want. And, because we are adults, we think we can and should have what we want. Those are the whispers of the enemy.
The enemy wants us to desire things that are contrary to what God desires for us. He desires things that would cause us harm and/or separation from God.
And the war rages within us. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” Galatians 5:17.
The enemy is a liar and a deceiver.
He whispers, “You work hard, so you deserve that.” And we purchase, eat, lust after, whatever that thing is that we are desiring. We don’t even consult God, because He may say, “No.” We think, “But I want it!”.
The apostle Paul himself struggled with the war within. “As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ” Romans 7:17-19.
But at least he hated that war raging within himself. Do we?
Or do we just keep sinning and screaming, “I want it!”
Do we just keep hungering after things that are of no eternal value? “15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” 1 John 2:15-17.
Are we chasing after things that are temporary, sinful, and (apart from Christ) deadly? “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:15.
Are we devouring and craving things that are destroying our bodies? Devouring and craving sinful things whether food (the sin of gluttony), excessive alcohol (which leads to debauchery), success/too much work (which is the sin of idolatry), is in and of itself sin and death. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Do we waste the resources, days, and gifts that God has given us for things that will rust and be moth-eaten? “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew:19-20.
Sin will tempt us. We will desire things that are not God’s will for us. We will have selfish desires.
The question isn’t will it happen. The question is what will we do when it does happen. Will we scream “I WANT IT!” in the face of God and chase after sin? Or will we trust the word of God and chase after Jesus? “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.
I want you to make sure that you catch what this verse is saying. It is saying that, yes, we will fall into temptation and sin. But God provides a way of escape. But, we have to be willing to resist. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
God desires greater things (and far more) than we desire for ourselves. “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5.
He is the giver of all good things. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17.
God wants to (and will) give us good things. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11.
Why then would we desire anything apart from His will for us?
Let us follow His word and, “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2. And let’s resist temptation and stop screaming “I Want It!” to sinful things. Instead, let’s scream “I WANT IT!” to God’s will and plan for our lives.
Father God, we praise You that You are such a good and loving Father. We praise You that (through our Savior and Your Son) we can even be called children of God. Thank you for all that You plan and desire for us. Father, forgive us when we reject You and Your will and chase after the cheap imitations of pleasure that the enemy deceives us with. Forgive us for not desiring You above all else. Holy Spirit, help us to resist temptation and keep us ever mindful of the goodness and blessings of walking in harmony with our precious Savior. We love You and praise You and pray this in Your precious and Holy name, Jesus.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
If you are constantly tempted to do things that you know are destructive or just not what you should do, you are not alone. We are all tempted. But God gives us a way out. The strength to resist that temptation is found in Jesus Christ alone. If you do not know Him as your personal Lord and Savior I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. God wants to call you His own beloved child. He wants to forgive you and help you resist the temptation to scream “I Want It!” to those things that are only temporary enjoyment and are ultimately harming you. He wants to spend eternity with you. Please pray and once you do reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you.
Luv Ya!
