Transformed Desires-2 - Wednesday May 21, 2014
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9
Jesus never said it is wrong to desire to be great. On the contrary, He said, "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant and whoever wishes to be first shall be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27). Jesus also said, "Whoever keeps and teaches His commandments shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:19). Jesus never put down anyone for desiring to be great. He redefines what greatness is, and He transforms our desires for greatness.
It is not wrong to desire. Buddhism teaches that desire is the source of suffering. Therefore, the goal of Buddhism is to remove or extinguish desire so there can be harmony. Christianity teaches that although our desires may lead us to do bad things, it is through the transforming power of Jesus Christ that our desires are transformed. Jesus renews our mind and purifies our desires.
For example: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). "For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13 ISV).
What do you need in order to leave your mark on this world for His glory? In a word, focus. If you are careful, you can inscribe your name on a piece of wood by using a magnifying glass as you focus the sun's rays. Otherwise, the sun will beat down on the wood and never leave a mark. Tomorrow we'll examine how to find this focus.
Submitted by:
Doug Brown
Lee's Summit Community Church
Lee's Summit, Missouri
One-Year Reading Plan:
1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
John 11:55-12:19
Psalms 118:1-18
Proverbs 15:24-26
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