There are a lot of things we can walk away from when we find Jesus, but I have found, and seen in others, that one of the hardest things to walk away from is our own selfish desires. Even if we go back to the garden in Genesis, it was our human selfish desires that caused the first sin. When we read what happened we can see that it didn't take much for satan to convince Eve that gong with her own desires was the best thing to do. He simply said "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil", and that was all it took. Eve's selfish desires for "more" took over and a sin was committed. Despite ALL that God had blessed them with, their flesh still said "it's not enough".
How many times has your flesh screamed that in the face of God? I know for me it has been too many times in my life. Too many times I let my selfish desires tell God that what He does for me is not enough. And that is a shame I have to remind myself that Jesus died to take away from me. If not then the guilt alone is too much to bare. It really breaks my heart today to see people give up so much with God, just to get so little from the world in return. People will chase things that destroy their ministry, destroy their marriage, destroy their family, destroy the job God blessed them with...and most of all, destroy their personal relationship with God. The only reason I say it that way is because a lot of times we run from Him due to the guilt and shame put on us by the enemy, and we allow a lot of time and distance to come between us and God. And the only way back from something like that is to remind yourself that God already knows about our selfishness and the damage it can cause, that's why He sent Jesus. It would be like waking up today and looking at your spouse, sibling or close friend and saying to them, "I know what you are going to do to me today. It's going to hurt, and I really wish you wouldn't...but know that I have already forgiven you before you even do it". Wow...could you imagine? No matter what selfish and hurtful thing they did to you, you have already not only forgiven them, but you stand there with your arms held out to receive them in love. That's God! That's the way He has dealt with us since the beginning of time.Yet despite that, our selfish flesh still wins so many of the battles.
I want to tell you today that it doesn't have to be that way. Sin, your human selfish side (and we all have one) and your flesh don't have to win, or pull you away from God. He sent the Holy Spirit to help you in this area, give you strength we you need it most, and remind you of who you are in God's eyes. We were created by Him to do great things for Him. That's why the enemy cringes at the very idea of us getting this. When we realize that surrender to Him equals freedom from this word, which also equals glorifying Him in all we do..well, then we have stepped on the neck of our enemy and he knows his time with us is done. When we realize these things, everything in our lives can become a powerful tool to display God to others. Tough situations arise, we show the world how we trust God. God brings you a spouse, you show the world what a God centered marriage looks like. You succeed at your job, you show the world what it means to be blessed by God. When you choose to live like this, and you give Him ALL the credit for ALL that you have, then you will put your selfish desires in check. You will learn how to make your flesh submit to it's creator. And you will be a light that demonstrates Him to everyone you see.
Today, if you are sick of the battle within, then give up! Give up the fight and give it over to God. Admit your shortcomings, your mistakes, your inner pride, your guilt and shame, and your stubbornness. Then ask Him to replace all of these things for the things that He created to be inside of you...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23). These are the things that keep our flesh at one with God!
God, thank You for opening our eyes. I personally thank You for opening mine so I could see the destruction of my selfish desires. Thank You for restoration of our soul, and our relationship with You. Please do a work in us to make us who YOU desire for us to be. Allowing us, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome the things of this world. Let us be a light that shines for you in ALL areas of our life so we can point others to the freedom that we live in. In Jesus name, Amen
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