It is very inspirational when you actually read the bible and get something out of it that you have seen before but did not take time to see. The following passage is one of those that I have read over and over but have not seen it until today:
2Ti 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
The first thing that hit me was to flee the desires of my youth! The question is what were the desires of my youth and are they still present with me today? Yes, they are still present and here are a few of them: Money- Always striving to make a lot of it. I used to write the words "Get Paid" on every notebook, paper, wall, cardboard, and folder I had in my possession and the same thoughts come to mind today as I look for ways of earning money to buy things like boats, cars, video games, tools, and an array of things that are not needed at this point in my life. The second desire from my youth is the desire for sexual stimulation all the time. This desire creeps into my life in various ways even when I feel that I am doing well spiritually. I used to put a lot of images and junk into my head as a young teen and they have burned into my mind and when I get afraid to face something I turn to sensuality to try and feel better. I am married and my wife is the desire of my heart but there are again times when these images seem more attractive and I have this battle going on inside me. I have to remain open with my wife and the brothers to help me stay pure and righteous in my marriage.
The third desire that goes on a lot is the desire for attention from others! This is a huge desire for me as I am looking to get praise from men instead of God! I have a constant fight going on inside over this desire because I love people and being around others that I want them to approve of me. So I can be overbearing at times with my loud voice and dominant stature that I might offend some. I want to align myself with the scriptures and change this character flaw.
The scripture also says "that we will come to our senses when we escape form the devil's trap". If we never take the time to acknowledge what our evil desires are how can we escape? Think of it this way....If you were trapped in a cave and there was a way out would you look for it or would you dismiss looking for the way out because you want someone else to look for you? I think the answer is no, you would look for the way out so that you can survive. Take this same attitude and apply it to your spiritual life and look for the evil desires and eradicate them!
~Holla at me~
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