FCA ResourcesDevotional
Desire - Part 1
By LeoSayles
Ready
"I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking [Him] in His temple."
-Psalm 27:4
Set
A couple of weeks ago, during the 2007 Masters golf tournament, commentator Nick Faldo addressed the three character traits he believed were necessary to be a champion: desire, determination and courage. Faldo expressed that, in order to put on that coveted green jacket awarded to the Masters champion, a golfer must have the desire to win.
Faldo is certainly right about one thing: desire is necessary in becoming a champion. Why else would we put ourselves through the pain and agony of intense training, the discipline and focus of honing our technique? Why else would we spend hours upon hours studying our particular game? Is it not desire that causes great athletes to dig deep and find a way to win?
What is "desire"? The Encarta dictionary definition states it this way as a verb: "to want something strongly;" and this way as a noun: "a wish, craving or longing for something."
I believe there is a two-fold message in this for Christians. I'll address one point today, and another tomorrow. Today, we'll focus on how desire affects us individually.
In Christian literature, desire often is associated negatively with the flesh. But the Bible also uses the word in a positive light. The psalmist wrote, "One thing I have desired. . .that I may dwell in the house of the Lord. . .to behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in His temple." As the psalmist progresses through this particular Psalm, he paints the picture of someone who longs to be with His Lord. Many other Scriptures point toward the inner desire as a way of loving God and serving Him with all that we are; and that point is punctuated by Paul's eloquent passage in Philipians 3:8-14.
Today, ask yourself this: "What is my desire?" Is it for earthly victories and the "spoils" that go to the victor? Or, do you desire eternal victory, which can only be found in the one who overcame all: Jesus Christ? Is Jesus truly the one object of your desire, or do other, minor longings replace your desire to follow Him? Are you focused on Christ with a single-minded intent, to serve Him with all that you are? If so, then I agree with Nick Faldo. You have the makings of a champion.
Go
1. Answer the questions above regarding your true desire?
2. What can you do to change your desires? What role does God play in that?
Workout
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 73:25-28
Philippians 3:8-14
Bible Reference:
Philippians 3
Sport
Ministry