How Our Lusts Move Us Further From Freedom
I was considering this morning some of the reasons we as humans cause ourselves some of the worst problems in the world, both individually and politically. Much of contemporary toxic circumstances are based on fear and survival, deeply rooted in selfishness. We’re really just worshiping our-self, which breaks the first commandment, and we covet other people’s freedoms, which breaks the last one.
We’re often drawn away out of our lusts. We lust for power, over our circumstances, over the people around us, etc. We fear what might happen, or we dislike the way they do things so can’t afford someone else having a different opinion than us. It’s all very immature, really. Isn’t it self-evident that when you’re too weak for someone to disagree with you you’re not strong but weak?
I’ll tell you a secret: If you share your opinions with me I’m fine. But if you don’t allow me the same opportunity to share mine I’ll consider you immature, and be more likely to disagree with you. I mean, if you think you’re smarter or better than me or whatever be honest but don’t pretend to “share your feelings” and then not expect to hear my opinion too. I mean if you’re not better than me….
God even allows people to disagree, for a time, because He’s not intimidated but He also punishes it. In the end we exist for Him so submitting to His will is just. In His case He is just and righteous. We are not so much. God in His mercy grants man time to consider his ways and learn from his mistakes. God is a creator. He’s about people growing and thriving, not destruction.
Another thing is we often fear accountability, but all need it. If you’re too weak to be accountable you’re just being immature again. Consider all of the tyrants that ever lived, how they were miserable and made all the people around them equally miserable. They had no accountability and it harmed the whole society, all because of unchecked lust, and lack of self-government.
That’s one of the reasons marriage is so good for us. It’s a constant reminder that you can’t always control yourself. You need someone to help referee, to keep you out of trouble.
Most of the time, our chief concern is for our-self, or we work some kind of mental gymnastics to convince our-self we’re doing it all for unselfish reasons.
But, perfect love casteth out fear. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. He wasn’t afraid to follow God because he knew regardless of whatever God called him to do, that The Lord was able to perform it. He humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and became the father of many nations.
Patience, with those that disagree with us and in difficult circumstances, teaches us reliance on God and faith in Him. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose.
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
Fear not them that kill the body, but Him who is able to kill both the body and soul in hell. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. The smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever,and they have no rest day or night.
The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise instruction. We often think something isn’t right or we disagree with how God does things but that’s worshiping self and a lack of faith in Him. God is holy, you’re not so get over yourself. “If any man come after me let him deny himself take up his cross daily and follow after me, “Jesus told his disciples.
Jesus was preoccupied with the Kingdom of God, and not our little petty kingdoms. He had the mind of a servant. May God grant us the same attitude of loving and serving others rather than despising them, and trying to steal their freedom. Do unto others as you’d have them to do unto you. You will find it to be more liberating than entangling.
If we could get over our fear of what other people think and what not we might actually accomplish something that helps somebody where it’s really needed. A lot of fears are very wasteful of the opportunities God gives us.
Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you. A little less self-care and a little more ministry to where it’s needed most will go a long way.
