What do you think of when you hear the word “desire”? Maybe you think of worldly desires. Maybe you think of desires you might have for the future, such as a desire to lose weight or that your children marry a godly spouse. More than likely you do not immediately associate the word with God or the Bible. However, Christians should desire things in the Lord, as well as desire to do certain things in the Lord.
Christians should desire some things:
- Christians should desire to do the will of God.
- Christians should desire God.
- Christians should desire wisdom.
- Christians should desire goodness and righteousness.
- Christians should desire love.
- Christians should desire the Word of God.
- Christians should desire a time of worship with God.
- Christians should desire to spend time with fellow Christians.
- Christians should desire to live a godly life.
- Christians should desire life in eternity with God.
Christians should NOT desire other things:
- Christians should not desire to be involved with evil companions, nor their things.
- Christians should not desire evil.
- Christians should not desire worldly pleasures.
- Christians should not desire sin.
- Christians should not desire separation with God.
When doing a study over desire it is important to be very careful when looking at the word “desire” in Scripture. There are many times in Scripture that the word “desire” is not speaking of desire for the Lord, but rather worldly desires. This is just another reason that reading within the context of the verse is very important.
Here are a few scriptures to consider over the topic of desire:
- Hebrews 11:16: “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”
- Proverbs 24:1-2: “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.”
- Proverbs 3:13-15: “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
- Psalm 40:8:” I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
- Psalm 73:25:” Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”
Related topics and words which may be useful in study: love, will, long, hope, strive, devotion, want
Christians should devote their lives to desiring godly things. Christians should be constantly seeking to better serve the Lord. What other things do you think Christians should desire or not desire?
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