When making decisions that dramatically affect our future, we often become susceptible to hearing what we want, something that might greatly benefit us and satisfy our selfish desires. If a business owner, a coach, a CEO or a salesman recruits us, we risk falling prey to their invitation without first filtering it through our faith’s wisdom grid. King Solomon noted: “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive” (Proverbs 23:1-3).
Cravings are dangerous, especially when someone is deceptively leveraging them against our best interests. However, when we surrender our hearts to Christ, He advances His kingdom in and through us. God created us with four primary desires: significance from being created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:27); contentment from being blessed by God to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue, (bring contentment to), the earth (see Genesis 1:28); control from being empowered by God to rule over the earth (see Genesis 1:28); and security from being given every seed-bearing plant and fruit-bearing tree (see Genesis 1:29-30). Since the first sin, we have all pursued our own self-restoration program. In essence, we take God’s gift of life and continually attempt to satisfy our desires by setting ourselves up as gods in our own self-made kingdoms. We trust in our gifts, rather than the Giver. Ironically, the result is a life that is insignificant, discontent, out of control, and insecure.
God’s original design is that we discover satisfaction of our desires solely in Him. He created Adam and Eve with humble hearts. That’s what He wants from us. When we soften our hearts and offer our decisions to Him, we learn that desires are not for our gratification, nor our negation, but for our transformation. Only Christ the grace of God can satisfy our desire for significance. Only Christ the peace of God can truly satisfy our desire for contentment. Only Christ the power of God can transform our desire for control. Only Christ the truth of God can fulfill our desire for security. He completes us and makes us whole.
What decision are you facing? Take it to God in prayer: “My Heavenly Father, I give you all my heart. I want to hold nothing back from you. Please make me new again and show me your design for my life. I will follow you wherever you lead.” The Restorer will satisfy your desires and free you from falling prey to deception, providing you discernment to make a wise choice.
Episode 98: 30 Sayings of the Wise: Faith from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.