Desire to Do What is Right

Doing what is right is not easy.

Oh, let me explain. There is what is right and then there is what is legal. This morning I continue my study of the word “desire” and was led to Romans chapter 7 and the passage titled “the law and sin”. A great passage that Paul wrote describing how the law leads to sin in that before we knew the law, we could not sin against it. Yet now that we know the law, we find ourselves fighting with sin over it.

“¹⁸For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. ¹⁹For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” – Romans 7:18-20 (ESV)

Paul understood that our flesh self is controlled by the sin in the world. That when we set out to do something, we are blinded by that in the world that keeps us in line according to the law. And by doing so, we are a slave to sin that is found as a result of the law.

But, Paul also understood that internally we are good thanks to the LORD. We have accepted Him into our hearts and there He dwells within us to provide us that guidance to what is good and right. We have, as Paul states and I believe as well, “the desire to do what is right”. Yet, we have the world out there advising to follow the law and therefor are driven to sin.

It is interesting that Paul declares that he does not have the ability to carry out what is right when in fact he is imprisoned for doing the work of the LORD. Paul was unapologetic at doing the work of the LORD and for that he was imprisoned. He was not following the law, but following that what is right in the LORD. But, Paul, being the man of God he was, was not satisfied with just his doing what was right. He wanted that all would do right.

Again, doing what is right is not easy. I may be contrary to the law of man. But, I have to remember that what is legal, or within the law, may not always be what is right in the name of the LORD. I have to obey the law of man where I can and when the Law of God, or that which is right, is more than the law of man, I should do that which is right. I am judged physically here in this world, but the judgment of the LORD in heaven is where my allegiance is ultimately found. The consequences of this world are of no consequence when I have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.

What actions are you generally taking? Are you following the law, or what is right? What if you worked to do what is right regardless of the consequences in this world knowing that you answer to the LORD ultimately?

Jesus Desires Mercy

This morning I realized that I am continuing to expand the desire of the LORD for my heart. I am reading in Matthew of Jesus’ calling of Matthew and His subsequent meeting with Him and other tax collectors. Here Jesus’ actions are questioned and His response is magnificent.

“¹¹And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ ¹²But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³Go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” – Matthew 9:11-13 (ESV)

Jesus declares to the Pharisees and the crowd that had gathered, that He is here for sinners, and in order to gain them, it is mercy we give to them as opposed to sacrifice. We do not change who we are to “get in good” with the group we are working to gain, we simply understand them and let them know that we love them and allow them the opportunity to hear.

What Jesus desires from us is our full obedience. Our heart for Him and our mercy for those in need of Him. It is easy to walk away from those not like us as we are looking out for our reputation. It is easy to seek out work that is easy like only interacting with those who are like us. But as I have read on a number of occasions and again this morning from Jesus, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Our actions should be to spread the gospel and not just talk about it with others, and that will mean working with those who are out of touch with the LORD and need to hear from and about Him.

I want to be the example of Christ for others to witness. This means that I have to work with those in need, those are those in need of mercy. I have to demonstrate love for all and not just those who are like me. I have to provide for those seeking and not just those who have found.

What is your take on interacting with others? Do you find yourself working only with those like you? What if you were to provide mercy as Jesus did to give that which He desires of us?

God Desires Your Heart

Until now, I have been reading and studying the word “desire” and it is been on our side, man. This morning I was brought to the book of Hosea where I found the desire of the LORD.

“⁶For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

— Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

I forget sometimes that man was created in the image of God and to have a relationship with Him. Relationships are more than just acquaintances. Relationships of real worth are from the heart. I know that in my relationship with Lori, I have given her all of me, most of all my heart. There is nothing I won’t do for her as a result of the love I have for her and our relationship.

Our relationship with God is no different. He gives us all that He is for our sake and to care for us. He gives His heart to us and desires that we give ours to Him. There is nothing we should not do for Him as a result of the love we have for Him and our relationship.

Yes, the last two paragraphs end the same way. I meant that to make the point. Those we have relationships with desire us fully, including and mainly our heart. If we are willing to give to those of this world, would it not fully make sense to give to the LORD the same, or more importantly, first.

God does not require much from us. He wants us to do His will in this world to spread the gospel. And, first of all, He desires that we give our hearts to Him. He saved me from death and I owe Him, the least I can give is all of me, beginning with what He desires and that is my heart.

What are you giving to the LORD? Are you trying to satisfy His desire through monetary and other gifts? What if instead you simply gave Him the one thing He desires, your heart?

Satisfy the Desire of Others

Yes, as we know through our study of God’s Word, we are to serve others. Part of that serving is to satisfy the desire of others.

“⁹Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

¹⁰if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.”

— Isaiah 58:9-10 (ESV)

Here is the how. We are to satisfy the desire, not just of others, but for those who are having a difficult time. My role is to guide them, care for them, provide for them, and ensure that they are in a position to see the LORD and be less concerned with that which is weighing on them at that time.

Yes, we are to serve all and do the work of the LORD for all. Yet it will be those in the difficult positions that will recognize the service to them and will benefit from the service in the moment. We are not to do it to be seen, but simply for the betterment of the one in need.

But, you say, what about me? I know just what you are thinking as I think the same thing. I am having a difficult time and when/where will my desire be satisfied? That is the best part. When we are doing the work of the LORD, the difficulties will still be there, yet we will also have the LORD and our community on our side to help out. When I have served others, selfishly, they will serve me the same way.

I recently have been looking as to what is next for me. Now I am not looking to abandon what I am doing, just looking for something that I can add that I can use to do more. Lori and I are on our own again and there is time available to take on more. I have been praying for it. I feel some challenge and am looking for God’s guidance. As mentioned before, we are members of a church plant and as such Lori and I volunteer our time to make it work. Even as we have a scheduled time and work to do, we jump in when there is a need and help out. As we have, God allowed us to be seen helping and led one of our pastors to invite me to a discipleship group. This invitation led to my next thing.

When we are giving selfishly to satisfy the desire of those in need, in return we will be made whole at some point. Our role is to satisfy others and the LORD will work to satisfy us.

What are you doing to satisfy others? Are you doing so to get something out of it? What if you just did the work of the LORD and assisted those in need, knowing that God will satisfy your needs in due time?

Desire the Substance of Jesus

“²For he grew up before him like a young plant,

and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

and no beauty that we should desire him.”

— Isaiah 53:2 (ESV)

According to the above, Jesus was nothing astonishing to behold growing up or even as an adult. He was just a regular guy that was as noted, not of desire. Yet He was so great for us and brought us so much even at His earthly expense.

I think that it is interesting in that Jesus is portrayed as a striking and good looking man. To the eyes now, it would seem that people may have flocked to Him based to some degree on His appearance. And when I think of it, there must have been something about Him as He was recognized by the people when He was out in public view.

I know that the appearance of someone is easier to explain. And let’s face it, following someone who is not remarkably looking or visually is not the way to win people over. So to the eye, Jesus must be made to be appealing to draw us in.

But, it is not the outward appearance that we should be desiring when it comes to Jesus. His outward beauty will do nothing for us. Just like the outward beauty of man or woman is not the thing we should be drawn to. It is the substance of Jesus that we should desire.

In His ministry, Jesus was recognized in the public, not for His beauty, but for who He was. He was seen as carrying Himself different, walking different, and just being different. He was seen for His work and being and I like to believe that others could see the aura of God in Him.

I am going to make a comparison although it is not meant for anything other than the idea to help with understanding. Ever hear or see the “glow” of a woman with child. There is something about a pregnant woman that emanates a “glow”. People just know that she is different. I believe Jesus to be similar only bigger than this. There is something about Him without even knowing Him intimately that all can “see”.

This difference is the substance of Jesus and not His appearance. This is where our desire should be. We should be in desire for the substance of Jesus and not the appearance of Him.

What do you desire? Are you looking out for the appearances to desire? What if you looked to the substance of Jesus and placed your desire on His love?

Rejoice in Fulfilled Desire

We are, as I have read, learned, and remembered during my study of the word “desire”, to desire the LORD and if there is something other than Him, it should be wisdom. Our fascination with things of this world is not sustainable as it will be gained and lost in the blink of an eye. The desire of the LORD and of wisdom are forever. The LORD has been and will be forever. Wisdom is gained and allows for continued growth and understanding.

“¹⁹A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.”

— Proverbs 13:19 (ESV)

Here we find the direction as to the fulfillment of desire. We are to relish in the fulfillment as it is “sweet to the soul”. So, taking in that we are to desire the LORD and wisdom, what a great thing to know that the LORD and wisdom are “sweet to the soul”. And it is true.

The LORD loves, cares for, guides, and protects us. He provides for our every need and even blesses us beyond those needs. He is the one constant that can be counted on in this world. He is there always and will not turn away.

Likewise with wisdom. With wisdom we can see and adjust to that which is presented. Knowing that what is can be changed with a little understanding is so amazing.

Bryson, my oldest son, commented to me a while back that I was the smartest person he knew. Now, I know that there are many people who are smarter than I am and Bryson likely knows those people as well. But, for him to recognize that I have something inside me, wisdom, is certainly fantastic in my eyes.

Here we have desire that is or will be fulfilled, the LORD and wisdom. I have received the LORD through my acceptance of the salvation gift He offered. I have experience in this world that leads to wisdom and understanding. For each of these I rejoice as they are “sweet to the soul”. I have and will continue to gain from these desires being fulfilled and will continue seeking them as I go.

What desire do you have? Are you aware of the impact of the fulfillment of those desires? What is the difference in the long term gain from those desires compared to the fulfillment of the desire for the LORD and wisdom, and are they worth your rejoicing?

The LORD Fulfills Our Desire

Yes.

“¹⁸The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

¹⁹He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;

he also hears their cry and saves them.”

— Psalm 145:18-19 (ESV)

The LORD is here for and gives to those who love and are devoted to Him. He hears our cry and desires and answers the call. Can any of us say that about those in the world. Think about it. You cry out, is there a person in this world that will always come running. You have a desire, is there a person in this world that will fulfill it. The LORD does, every time.

There are times that I cry out and, nothing. I really want something and, it does not come. Before we get into specifics about how you feel as though you are left hanging, even in the LORD, remember that everything is in His timing and plan. We are simply here to work the plan the LORD has for us and remain steadfast as we wait on Him. When I cry out or really want something, in either case, it is likely that it is not in His plan. Or, He will provide the resolution, just not right now, when I feel as though I should have it.

The LORD is there for me and will ensure that I am provided for. Look at the above and first part of the below verses and see the love that is in Him toward us, His children. Know that the LORD is always with us. He fulfills all that we need when we call out to Him from our hearts.

“²⁰The Lord preserves all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.”

— Psalm 145:20 (ESV)

And then there is the second part to the above verse. He will destroy all who are against Him. He hears and fulfills the desires of His heirs and all those who are not, they will be dealt with in due time.

The LORD is our provider. He will give to us all that we need in the time we need it. Even our desires. When we are in the LORD, our desires will be centered on Him and His glory. We will cry out to Him and He will hear us. He will save us and deliver our desire when we are fully devoted to Him.

Where is the LORD in your life? Are you calling to Him in hopes that He might deliver you? What if you called out knowing He would deliver you and your desire thanks to the devotion you have in Him?

The LORD Hears Our Desire

I have to believe that no matter the circumstances, the LORD hears my desire. He knows what is in my heart.

“¹⁷O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

¹⁸to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.”

— Psalm 10:17-18 (ESV)

I am the afflicted. I am oppressed. It may not seem as such based on the world we live in today, but it is true. All who are devoted to following the LORD are or will be persecuted. I need the LORD to get through this world and all of the evil that is presented in it. The evil one is there continually and is looking for any moment to divert me away from the LORD. Whether it is in public, in the media, in private, evil is there lurking and waiting.

“¹⁶The Lord is king forever and ever;

the nations perish from his land.”

— Psalm 10:16 (ESV)

It is in the LORD that I find refuge. The LORD knows my desire. He knows it is difficult. He knows I need to rule over it. And this is the reason He hears my desire. I must desire Him and when I do, He hears my desire and comforts me. He protects me. He guides me. He loves me. He is king.

Where is your desire? Are you desiring in the world? What if you were to desire the LORD and allow Him to comfort you, protect you, guide you, and love you?

Desire the LORD

My recent study of the word “desire” has yielded that desire creates difficulty and that we have to rule over desire. This morning I am continuing the study and found that we should be desiring the LORD. If desire is difficult and I have to rule over it, then my immediate question is as to why would I accept desire for the LORD.

Well, here we go. Desire is hard and I have to rule over it, but I also have to remember the saying, “anything worth having is worth fighting for”. The LORD is certainly worth having and therefor He is worth fighting for. In fact, the LORD is the only desirable that gives back unconditionally. What He offers us is Love and salvation in return for our love and devotion to Him. He will provide all that we need in all situations and once we have completed the tasks He has for us, we will be granted rest.

“¹⁴They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. ¹⁵And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.” – 2 Chronicles 15:14-15 (ESV)

What is an oath? Merriam-Webster Online defines an oath as: a (1): a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says (2): a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words b: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath

An oath being a sincere commitment to action is just what the people of Judah were doing. They were fully committed and desired the LORD. They gave themselves fully to Him and the action of finding Him. And because of this oath and desire, they found Him and were rewarded with rest once they did.

When we desire things of this world, we may find them, yet they are limited in what they give us in return. What is the fight for if there is nothing to be had in return. Well with the LORD, we receive a return for the work done. The fight yields a result that is fully worth having, rest and glory in heaven.

I choose to desire the LORD. I will fight for Him. I will work for Him. I will love Him. I am fully committed to Him. I will spread His word, regardless of the consequences in this world. My reward is not of this world and is fully worth it all.

What do you desire? Are you fully committed to the thing that you desire even knowing that the reward is minimal and not much if anything will be received in return? What if you desired the LORD and committed yourself to Him for the reward of rest and glory that comes when you are united with Him?

Desire Creates Difficulty

Is there anything wrong with desiring something? I would not think so on the surface as it seems that desiring, or having a goal would be the way to go. After all, should we not have aspirations to achieve greater things.

“¹⁶To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;

in pain you shall bring forth children.

Your desire shall be contrary to your husband,

but he shall rule over you.”

— Genesis 3:16 (ESV)

This morning as I begin a new study on the word “desire”, I start out in Genesis and the fall of Adam and Eve. Here I see that based on the disobedience of the two of them, there were consequences. Yes, the one that we really look at mostly is that now they have seen good and evil and have been removed from the garden as a result of their sin against God. And, there is the beginning of sin for the rest of the world. But there was more.

Looking into the above verse, and with regard to the word desire, I have found difficulty. Thanks to the sin of the woman (she had not been named yet), she would seek things that are different than Adam and would have to understand that Adam would “rule over” her.

Now, depending on the Bible version you are looking at, you may see the word “for” as opposed to “contrary to”. This tripped me up a bit this morning as well. It is not until you look to the statement of ruling over that you realize the conflict between the two. That conflict is based on the desires of the two. The conflict is the difficulty in the relationship. They had been together for a while and all was working out great. Then there was the fall that created a wedge between them and God. In consequence for that wedge, there would also be a conflict between the two (man and woman) going forward. She would “desire” to go one way and he another.

This “desire” was the thing that began or created the difficulty. Man and woman would forever be seeking different things. You may have heard of or read the book “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” by John Gray. Now I am not going to get into the book except to say that even the title says it all. Man and woman are vastly different and that difference is the reason for the difficulty in the relationships. Prior to sin, man and woman were partners and companions and helpers to one another working together in the garden for the glory of God. They were there working to attain one goal. And then the fall, and now man and woman sought different things.

I think of my relationship with Lori and over the past 28 years, we have had our ups and downs, and we certainly have different desires. Our marriage is not easy, but it is worth it. We know one another well and as such, we move in sync a lot of the time. But that desire difference is always there and it does and will forever create difficulty that we have to work through. And work is it. Desire creates difficulty that has to be worked through. I have to remember that Lori and I are different and that we have to continue working through things daily.

Whether relationships or aspirations for other things, desire creates difficulty. The old saying “anything worth having is worth fighting for”, certainly applies. Desiring things and achieving them is not easy. There are challenges that will arise and in order to achieve, one has to get through the challenges. Know that your desire will likely be different or “contrary to” someone else. You will have to work it to achieve it.

What do you desire? Is that which you desire different than someone else? What if you were to realize that it was created that way thanks to the sin of man and woman in the garden and that to conquer the desire we have to fight through the difficulty that was created?