James 1.14, 15
14 But each person is tempted
when he is lured
and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived
gives birth to sin,
and sin when it is fully grown
brings forth death.
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The reality I need to recognize is that I am being discipled every day. I am also being “gospeled” (evangelized) every day, yet not necessarily by the “Capital G” Gospel of Jesus. As good as this Gospel is, I am constantly being evangelized by lesser “gospels” that aren’t even truly good at all, but are counterfeits that try to convince me that they are truth.
What are some other ways I am being discipled and preached to every day? My heart preaches to me and condemns me and I beat myself up (1 John 3.19-21), culture around me lies to me (2 Peter 2.14), my sins and temptations are at war within me (James 4.1), my eyes and desires are never satisfied (Proverbs 27.20), and politics and comforts and my preferences make campaign promises to me. But these will always and only leave me dissatisfied.
How does my heart wander? I look for happiness and identity and satisfaction in these things. I look for joy, satisfaction, significance, or love in other people, rather than in Jesus. I live in shame and condemnation over past (or current) sin rather than believing in my right standing as an adopted son. I chase after comfort and convenience and “the good life” as if it is a right I am owed, rather than accepting a cross that I am to bear for the sake of Christ. I hurry through my time with Jesus, distracted by the things I have to do in the day. I point to my own righteousness and high morals and look down upon others who don’t live up to my standards. It’s easy for us to envy other people’s lives, possessions, marriages, families, money, jobs, and homes, thinking that if only we could have those things we’d be truly happy. Not only that, but we convince ourselves that we deserve such things, even more than those who have them.
But only Jesus can satisfy (John 6.35, 47-51), quench my thirst (John 4.14, Revelation 7.16), and give life to the fullest (John 10.10). If I don’t find true contentment in Christ, I will always be wandering, lacking joy and true peace, because we were made to be with Christ and know His love.
You have made us for Yourself, Lord.
Our hearts are restless,
until they find their rest in You.
-Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
How would I truthfully fill in these blanks, and what do my answers reveal about where I am looking for satisfaction and joy?:
“If only _______________
then I could be happy and satisfied.”
Or, “If only __________ was different,
I wouldn’t be so __________.”
The Gospel reminds me that I truly have all that I need in Christ, and that He can truly satisfy my wandering mind and heart. But I need to train myself to be with Him and know His true love for me each day.
Read Again and Turn This into a Prayer:
James 1.14-15
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Come Thou Fount
Robert Robinson, 1758
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I’ve come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
Oh, to grace how great a debtor,
daily I’m constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it,
seal it for Thy courts above
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Pray Aloud:
Father in Heaven, I thank You that You
have adopted me and You call me Yours.
I am asking You to cause Your Name
to be magnified in __________,
and that this would transform ________,
causing Your will to be done in their life.
Give __________ truth
that they need today,
that Your Spirit would
bring Your promises to mind,
helping _______ to repent of sin.
Lead _______ heart away from temptation,
but instead be led by Your Spirit
towards the love of Jesus.
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