Yes, nature determines appetite. The pig wants slop but the sheep desires green pastures. Nature also determines behavior. An eagle flies because it has an eagle’s nature, and a dolphin swims because that is the nature of the dolphin.

Nature determines environment: squirrels climb trees, moles burrow underground, and trout swim in the water. Nature also determines association: lions travel in prides, sheep in flocks, and fish in schools.

If nature determines appetite, and we have God’s nature within, then we ought to have an appetite for that which is pure and holy. Our behavior ought to be like that of the Father, and we ought to live in the kind of “spiritual environment” that is suited to our nature. We ought to associate with that which is true to our nature.

Because we possess this divine nature, we have “completely escaped” the defilement and decay in this present evil world. If we feed the new nature the nourishment of the Word, then we will have little interest in the garbage of the world. But if we “make provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14), our sinful nature will lust after the “old sins” and we will disobey God. Godly living is the result of cultivating the new nature within.

The Bible commands: “Let us … lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:12-14, NASB).

Also: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1; 2 Peter 1:3-11.

Action assignment: Take inventory. How have you spent the last twenty-four hours? Any “garbage” intake? Have you given God opportunity to speak quietly to you through His Word? Think about it. Talk to God about it.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in