DESIRE

"Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death" (James 1:15).

 

I don't remember exactly how he says it, but I have a friend that has taught me to ask something like, "What is the logical conclusion of the matter?", whenever I am tempted to sin.  In other words, what is likely to happen?  I tend to make a better decision if I act as if the worst scenario will happen (and the truth is--it might).

 

James 1:15 lays out for us the logical progression of sin.  It only takes a very small amount of lust (desire) to become pregnant.  Then the thought (lust, desire) grows within you until it is actually born (i.e. you act on it).  The sin itself, then becomes full grown as you feed it and exercise it.  Eventually, it dies--and you die with it.  "The wages (logical conclusion) of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

 

The best time to deal with sin is early, when it is still just a desire.  It's not a matter of focusing on the desire--whatever it is--it's a matter of focusing on God--the one who can satisfy every desire.  If you are full, then you aren't hungry.  You don't avoid sin by starving your desires or by pretending that they don't exist.  You avoid sin by allowing your desires to be met by the only one who can truly satisfy them--Jesus.

 

Today, as you become aware of unmet desires, speak them out loud to your Father in Heaven.  Tell Him how hungry you are.  Allow God to feed you.