“God’s plan is that every time we experience an authentic desire — a God-implanted desire in us — we come to understand more deeply what a good God he is. We learn how God has wired us and what he wants us to do.”- John Ortberg
“Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of all lights who satisfies the desires of those who fear him.”- James 1:17
John Ortberg concludes Chapter 7 of The Me I Want to Be as he states part of trying softer involves allowing what we naturally desire to lead us back to God. God takes pleasure when people enjoy His creation. Hence, Lewis Smedes explains:
“God is so great that he does not need to be our only joy. There is an earthly joy, a joy of the outer as well as the inner self, the joy of dancing as well as kneeling, the joy of playing as well as praying.”
However, we must say no to any desires that interrupt the flow of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we sacrifice a lesser desire for the sake of living a greater life in the Spirit. Therefore, as we understand God’s goodness more deeply, we find ourselves loving God more and more.
In conclusion, Pastor Ortberg discusses four categories of desire that impact living in the flow of the Spirit.
- Material Desires – put beauty in your environment that speaks to your soul. As you see that beauty, John urges, embrace the God-given joy that accompanies it.
- Achievement Desires – because God created us to have dominion, we desire to achieve things. Ecclesiastes 9:10- “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
- Relational Desires – to build a friendship or deep relationship requires overcoming unbelievable barriers, as Jonathan did with David. Such friendships don’t just fall into your lap.
- Physical Desires – appetites, desires, and delights can help us remember God’s goodness and become more joyful people. As John states, “You learn to connect the gift — which you already love — to the Giver, whom you want to love more.”
Today’s question: What’s your most significant God-implanted desire? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “There will always be a Jezebel”
