Clutter of the Mind

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

There is a difference between being hungry for food that your body needs to run the way God created you to run and desiring something in a consuming unnatural way.  When the Apostle John talks about the world in these verses he is not talking about the mere physical world that we must operate within on a daily basis. 

John describes the world as "the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes and the boastings of what he has and does". I saw a bumper sticker once that read, "He who has the most toys wins." The world seeks status by what they have, not necessarily by who they are. This unnatural mixture, which the world sees as natural and normal, craves and lusts for fulfillment and seeks it in ever increasing amounts. The catch is that enough is never enough. 

Have you seen one of those "reality" shows on hoarding? It's alarming because the attachment to what most people would consider junk is imperative. They just get more stuff and it clutters up their homes and lives. But, how many things do we hold on to in our hearts and minds that clutter up our hearts and minds? I am talking about cravings and lusts (not just sex) that take us away from faith in Christ. God did give us desires, strong desires. God will give us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5). Seeking what the world wants is temporary, at best. Seeking the will of God and enjoying what he provides is truly fulfilling and will lead to eternal joy. 

Father, help us to seek your will and enjoy what you have given us. Praise be to you in us today!