What Controls You – Earthly Desires or Heavenly Ones?

Scripture: Romans 5:20, NIV

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20, NIV)

We must be careful about what we desire. Desiring only earthly things, with no thought of the eternal implications, is a formula for disaster.

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:18–20, NIV).

It is critical that the resurrection power of Christ be at work in our life.

As this power grows in the heart of the believer, the spiritual desires to invest our time, talent, and treasure in the Kingdom will overcome desires of a perishable nature.

We can navigate successfully through this world only when we are controlled by the Holy Spirit:

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:12–13, NIV).

When we submit to God, the Holy Spirit helps us overcome the temporary, perishable desires that seek to control how we think, feel, and act. The best offense against a negative addiction is to have a positive addiction that is greater. Our home is heaven, and we live life seeking our Lord’s approval above all else.

Today, ask yourself:

Do I increasingly desire to invest my 3 Ts—time, talent, and treasure—in the kingdom of God?