Overcoming wrong desires

The key to overcoming the desire for an ¹inferior pursuit is to replace it with a superior one.

Desiring is not our problem. Desiring the wrong thing more than the right thing is our problem—e.g., desiring to be our own god and seeking created things over the Creator.

Desire is inevitable. As finite beings, we are dependent on things outside of ourselves to sustain life; i.e., we are not fully self-sustained but in need and want what we lack both spiritually and physically. 

As beings created in the image of God, we need God above all else. We are created by and for God - i.e., to desire Him. 

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” - Psalm 16:11 ESV

God is not only the right thing for us to desire and pursue, but also the best thing. 

Pursuit of Him...

*is right because this is who God designed us to be and when we most honor Him. 

*It is best because it is the ¹most fulfilling pursuit.

If we desire the wrong thing (creation) over the right thing (God), it is only because we don't clearly see His value - that He is the best and right thing to pursue.

There is nothing inherently wrong with God’s creation or enjoying it. It is all very good, but when it becomes our greatest pursuit or believed to be our highest good, this is contrary to reality—i.e., that which is right, true, and good. Nothing is greater or higher than God.

For a discussion on where desire comes from, click here. 

________________________________

Footnotes:

¹The problem with an inferior pursuit is that, in our present state of physical separation from God, it is often the more immediately rewarding. It doesn’t feel inferior in the moment. Pursuing God, who is the right and best thing, is by faith. In other words, we know by faith it is best, though it’s not always immediately rewarding. In fact, it often is not.