We all have at least one desire in our life. We may desire something as tangible as a job, a degree, or community. It may be a desire for something lost, like a loved one who has passed. Many times, our desires are motivational drives that help us reach the next goal in life. Whether it’s a plethora of things to accomplish or just that small glimmer of hope in the darkness of life, our desires seem to be quite important in life.
But what are your true desires in life? Many of our scripture passages tell us that the centerfold of our lives should be centered upon Christ, but in reality, it’s not always the most obvious and easiest value to uphold. Sunday is a day of worship, but Monday through Saturday may be the toughest marathon we would run because of school, work, family, or friends. Where is God in the midst of our trials inside and outside the church?
Our desires can lead to temptations, as our desire for other things other than God, even good things, can become idols in our lives. The desire for a job, a degree, marriage, family, community, while good things, in and of themselves, can become idols in our lives, when these desires are put before God. We can become discontent in our circumstances, and then we start demanding God for the things we desire, instead of seeing how He has already given us more than enough in Christ. He has given us Himself, and He has given us new life and a new identity in Him. We can receive His love and His gifts freely in thankfulness, and desire can instead be used as a way to further God’s kingdom.
My colleagues and I strongly believe that this generation phase of “church culture” is going through trials that will either make or break the body of believers. On the one hand, the church has become more of a safe haven for our young believers. It is a place where problems are hashed out, not avoided. But it is possible for the church to fall into the “Philippian trap” (Philippians 2:1-4); that is, a church with too much comfort, too much rest, and too much relaxation. On the other hand, the church may be tempted to fall into the “Ephesian trap” (Ephesians 4:1-3); that is, a church with too much internal conflict, too much finger pointing, and too much judgement. “You don’t know my life. If you did, you would know I’m not being selfish. How dare you judge me. Who are you to say what I do?” Regardless of the issue, it affects the internal and the external workings of the body of believers.
What is my desire? As a pastor, it is my desire to see the Church become united. Having been at my church for the past eight years, I have seen many leaders and people come and go and, as unfortunate as it is, I still have hope that one day the Lord will raise up the Church, not back to where it was before, but even greater. What is your motivation for church attendance? “Have we become ‘out of touch’ with our community? What is your desire for your church?” I pray that this may be a deep reflection for everyone from young to old as well as a call to fervent prayer for the Church as we wrestle through this generation.
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