The normal desires of life were given to us by God and, of themselves, are not sinful. Without these desires, we could not function. Unless we felt hunger and thirst, we would never eat and drink, and we would die. Without fatigue, the body would never rest and would eventually wear out. Sex is a normal desire; without it the human race could not continue.

It is when we want to satisfy these desires in ways outside God’s will that we get into trouble. Eating is normal; gluttony is sin. Sleep is normal; laziness is sin. “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).

The secret is in constant control. These desires must be our servants and not our masters; and this we can do through Jesus Christ.

Verse for today: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Also read: Psalm 37:4-5; James 1:13-18; 1 John 5:15.

Action assignment: Thank God for His gift of desire. In your prayer today, be honest with God and yourself If there is a problem area where your desire has become a master, ask God to help you turn that desire around to becoming a servant. Make a commitment to one particular change that is needed in your life— something you know is causing you to act in an immature way. The blessings that result will far outweigh any pain the change may cause.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in